Horse Racing

Tensions were very high following the successful British invasion of Mauritius at the beginning of the 19th Century. The French Colonists who had been on the island for about 100 years didn't take very well to their new overloads and duelling was rife. As a way of trying to calm things and knowing both the British and French enjoyed a love of horses, Colonel Edward Draper decided to open a racing club. A site just outside of Port Louis was chosen and the Champ de Mars was born. The site was originally used for military exercises and drills with the first race taking place in June 1812. It had the desired effect of of calming tensions between the two nations.

Its popularity grew and the Champ de Mars turned from a military showground to becoming the first recognised race course in the southern hemisphere.

Horse racing is still very popular today with 14 private stables and over 1000 horses on the island. The season runs from March to November with the biggest purse of over 1.5 million Mauritian Rupees.

Mauritians flock to the races every Saturday, and those that don't go either watch it on television or listen on the radio. Even if you don't want to bet, a visit to the races is a great day out.