The Mauritius Turf Club (MTCJC) has resumed its role as the sole Horse Racing Organiser in Mauritius. They were officially granted the Horse Racing Organiser’s licence in June, following several years of interruptions and uncertainty in one of the island’s most popular industries.
The first meeting of the new season is scheduled for 26 July and will feature the Grade 2 Duchess Of York Cup over 1400m. Provisional fixtures have been announced for racing up to 20 December.
The MTCJC reported: “A large number of punters braved the winter chill to attend the first Barrier Trials of the 2025 Racing season at the Champ de Mars last Saturday. Their strong turnout was a clear sign of the growing excitement and impatience — they want the racing action to return as soon as possible!
“From early morning, the parking areas were quickly overwhelmed, with many racing fans making their way to the ‘gradins de la montagne’ to follow the training session, which unfolded under intermittent rain. There was a sense of anticipation in the air — almost electric — as if this morning’s trials were just a preview of what promises to be a thrilling season ahead!
“The star jockey of the day was Manoel Nunes, the 2019 champion who has been signed by Gujadhur stable. The Brazilian’s first ride was aboard Zil Moris, who was out for a quiet trot as part of his reconditioning. The spotlight however was firmly on the 24 newcomers lining up in the Barrier Trials — many of whom are tipped to feature in the upcoming Fashion Heights Duchess of York Cup.”
The South African newcomers to the island include well-known and well-performed runners including William Iron Arm, Meridius, The Mauritian, Zil Moris, Tyrion Lannister, Good Counsel and Cumbre Vieja. Wolf Mountain is one that has been the talk of the track, he is expected to be a feature contender this season.
