Panorama of the Happy Valley Racecourse, Hong Kong, ca. 1873 Albumin print, strong toning but fading Size: 217 x 283 mm Built in 1845 to accommodate the horse races of the British in Hong Kong, the area was initially marshy, but was nevertheless the only flat land suitable for horse racing on Hong Kong Island. To make room for the racecourse, the Hong Kong government prohibited rice cultivation in the villages in the area. The first race was held in December 1846 and over the years, horse racing became increasingly popular among Chinese residents.