After over 30 months of suspension, the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) is gearing up for a grand relaunch of horse racing on 26 July 2025, embracing a modernized vision for the sport. With a license as an organizer now approved — albeit under minor conditions — and the imminent signing of the lease for the historic Champ-de-Mars racecourse, the comeback is becoming increasingly tangible, as confirmed by President Santosh Kumar Gujadhur.
Extensive renovations are already underway to prepare the venue. The public stands have been restored, technical facilities upgraded, and a new family-friendly area will be introduced — designed to exclude betting and alcohol — to make the experience more welcoming for all. While the main phase of work is expected to be completed by mid-July, some finishing touches will continue into 2026 to ensure everything is up to standard.
Lighting issues on the track have been resolved, and work on the perimeter fencing is ongoing, in partnership with the RDA and the Ministry of Infrastructure, with funding provided by the leaseholder. These improvements aim to create a safer and more modern environment for racing.
The MTC Jockey Club Ltd has also strengthened its team by welcoming John Smith, a former associate of Benoît Halbwachs and Sudhir Beeharry-Panray, a former Air Mauritius executive. Additionally, young racing enthusiast Enzo Carosin has joined the administration to support the ongoing transformation of the club.
To enhance revenue tracking, all vendors and stands will be required to adopt point-of-sale (POS) systems, a move that could eventually be extended across the entire course. On the security front, Attcomm Ltd will implement a comprehensive surveillance, access control and connectivity system, strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for intrusions into restricted areas.
A dress rehearsal was conducted on 19 July 2025, to test all systems ahead of the official season opening. The MTC promises a modernized, well-organized racing experience that meets the expectations of enthusiasts and stakeholders alike.