The area was previously swampland, but the only flat ground suitable for horse racing on Hong Kong Island.

To make way for the racecourse, Hong Kong Government prohibited rice growing by villages in the surrounding area.

[3] On 26 February 1918, a temporary grandstand collapsed, knocking over hot food stalls that set bamboo matting ablaze.

Races in Happy Valley usually take place on Wednesday nights[6] and are open to the public as well as members of the Club.

[7] The Happy Valley Racecourse and its seven-storey stands are capable of accommodating approximately 55,000 spectators.