Discover the Thrills of Champs de Mars Racecourse

# Discover the Thrills of Champs de Mars Racecourse

Tucked into the heart of Port Louis, Mauritius's vibrant capital, **Champs de Mars Racecourse** stands as one of the most extraordinary sporting venues in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in **1812**, it holds the distinguished title of the **oldest horse racing track in the world outside the British Isles** — a fact that surprises many visitors and delights those who appreciate the island's deep colonial heritage. For British and European expats considering life in Mauritius, this iconic landmark offers a compelling glimpse into the cultural richness that makes the island so much more than a beach destination.

A Living Piece of History

Champs de Mars was originally established as a military parade ground by the French, then developed into a racecourse under British colonial rule. Today, it operates under the stewardship of the **Mauritius Turf Club (MTC)**, the second oldest turf club in the world. The racecourse sits in a natural bowl surrounded by the dramatic **Moka mountain range**, creating a backdrop so cinematic it almost seems designed by a set decorator. The grandstands, with their colonial-era architecture, add a nostalgic elegance that you'd struggle to find at any modern sporting arena.

Racing enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the MTC runs a **full racing season from May through November**, hosting approximately **25 to 30 race days** annually. Each meet features multiple races, and the energy on race days — with locals and expats alike dressed in their finest — evokes the spirit of Ascot or Goodwood, albeit with a distinctly Mauritian warmth.

Race Day Culture: What to Expect

Attending a race at Champs de Mars is a full social event. Gates typically open in the morning, and the atmosphere builds steadily through the afternoon as crowds gather across the **public enclosures, Silver Zone, and the prestigious Gold Club** — each offering different levels of hospitality and views of the track. The Gold Club, in particular, is a favourite among the island's business community and resident expats, offering fine dining, champagne service, and the best sightlines on the course.

Betting is an integral part of the experience, managed through an organised tote system. Whether you're a seasoned punter or a complete novice, the staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is festive rather than intimidating. Local Mauritians take their racing seriously — form guides are studied over breakfast, and tipping conversations are as common as cricket talk in an English village pub.

The **Grand National of Mauritius**, held each year in August or September, is the undisputed highlight of the racing calendar. This flagship event draws thousands of spectators and is one of the social occasions of the year on the island — think prize-giving ceremonies, fashion competitions, and post-race celebrations that carry well into the evening.

Beyond the Track: Port Louis and Its Appeal

Champs de Mars sits within walking distance of **Port Louis's waterfront**, home to the **Caudan Waterfront** shopping and dining precinct, the bustling **Central Market**, and an array of galleries and restaurants that reflect the island's multicultural identity. For those living in or considering property in the greater **Port Louis area or the nearby Moka district**, the racecourse is genuinely part of the lifestyle fabric — a recurring highlight in the social calendar rather than a one-off tourist excursion.

Speaking of lifestyle, the proximity to such cultural landmarks is precisely what distinguishes **Mauritius property investment** from other Indian Ocean destinations. The island doesn't just offer luxury villas and ocean views; it offers an **established, layered society** with traditions, institutions, and events that give expatriate life genuine depth and meaning. Families relocating from the UK or Europe frequently cite this cultural richness — alongside the climate, the international schools, and the favourable tax environment — as central to their decision to make Mauritius home.

Planning Your Visit

If you're visiting Mauritius for property viewings or a lifestyle reconnaissance trip, timing your visit to coincide with a race day at Champs de Mars is highly recommended. Entry to the public enclosures is remarkably affordable, while Gold Club tickets should be reserved in advance. Smart casual dress is appropriate for most areas, though the Gold Club calls for something a little more polished — think linen suits and summer dresses rather than trackside trainers.

The **Mauritius Turf Club website** publishes the full racing calendar ahead of each season, making it easy to plan around a specific event. Combine a race day with lunch at a Port Louis waterfront restaurant and an afternoon at the **Blue Penny Museum**, and you have a near-perfect introduction to the capital's layered character.

Make Mauritius Your Home

Champs de Mars is just one reason why life in Mauritius rewards those who look beyond the postcard image. From its colonial institutions to its modern amenities, the island offers an enviable quality of life that continues to attract discerning buyers and investors from across Europe.

If you're ready to explore what living here could look like — whether that's a beachfront apartment in Grand Baie, a villa in the hills above Tamarin, or an investment property in the thriving Moka corridor — **PropertyFinder Mauritius** is your ideal starting point. Browse our curated listings or speak with our expert team to find a property that matches both your lifestyle ambitions and your investment goals.