After a remarkable comeback in New Zealand, Donavan Mansour is heading back to familiar ground – Mauritius. The former South African has been confirmed as stable jockey for Paul Foo-Kune, bringing his career full circle in a story once thought to be over.
In October 2019, Mansour was airlifted to Waikato Hospital after sustaining a broken pelvis and numerous internal injuries after his mount, Lets Roc, reared up near the starting gates, went over backwards and came down on top of him.
Mansour underwent a couple of surgeries, and while he was hopeful of a return to the saddle, he was soon resigned to the fact that his career as a jockey was over following feedback from specialists.
However, in October last year, Mansour defied the odds by returning to the saddle after a five-year layoff. He returned a winner and is now set for the next chapter of his journey.
Mansour has been cleared by the Gambling Regulatory Authority, has already resumed trackwork and is ready to compete. His addition brings serious class to the 2025 jockey roster, especially with Brazil’s Manoel Nunes already signed to the powerhouse Gujadhur yard. Two elite riders, two heavyweight stables—Mauritian racing just got a lot more exciting.
Mansour is no stranger to the Champ de Mars faithful. He was crowned Champion Jockey in 2016 while riding for Rameshwar Gujadhur, and previously turned out for Serge Henry and Hurlywood yards. Across three prior stints on the island, he racked up 57 wins and earned fan-favourite status.
