Does anyone remember the HK Riding Academy which was located close to the RHKJC Beas River stables in the late 1960s and 70s? I worked there after 6th form for a couple of months in 1970.
Date picture taken
2025
Shows place(s)
Comments
stables
The old maps show a place called Dragon Hall Kennels and Stables on Castle Peak Road near Kwu Tung. Could this be where it was located? The only other one nearby I can think of is Lo Wu Stables that is located on what was the old army camp pitch in Ho Sheung Heung.
Do you remember if it was located on the north or south side of Castle Peak Road?
HK Riding Academy
Hello Philk. I remember Dragon Hall Stables as their members were competitors in many of the show jumping events in which we, from the Riding Academy, also competed. Having looked at the present map, the Riding Academy was located on Kam Tsui Road to the south of the old Castle Peak Road. The paddocks and stables would appear to be where Ascot Park Housing is now located. I remember the hill just before the entrance to RHKJC Beas River Country Club, which is still shown, and which we used to frequently ride over. Lo Wu army camp was where 414 Pack Troop, RCT was based up until the late 70s when I think it was disbanded. 414 was probably the last mule unit in the British Army to the best of my knowledge.
@MADWITH My wife and…
@MADWITH
My wife and daughter were members of Dragon Hall riding club until it was closed and absorbed into the then RHKJC. They were both riders there. Will try to get more info for you
Ascot Park
Hi madwith - yes, you are exactly right, Ascot Park appears to have been more or less built within what looks to be the boundaries of the riding school. I've created a place for it and added a map (see https://gwulo.com/node/61703), so perhaps other people searching for it will discover the site and be able to contribute.
Do you have any idea when it closed? I can't find it on anything on aerial imagery from 1978. It looks like it might still have been there in 1977.
Phil
HK Riding Academy
Comment received by email:
I recall the Hong Kong Riding Academy … it was located on the right hand side of the approach road to Jockey Club Beas River. It had fallen into disuse when we first went to Beas River in 1973. The Academy was started by Major Tony Grimshaw after he retired as Manager, Beas River and Head of the apprentice Jockeys School. The horses and pony’s came from the Jockey Club and it catered to non- member of HKJC who wanted to ride.
All traces of it’s existence has gone as the site was developed into three storey luxury village style houses.