Mauritius - Horse Racing And Riding

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HORSE RACING

Horse racing takes place at the Champ de Mars racecourse in Port Louis every Saturday during the season from May until the end of November/early December. The highlight is the Maiden Plate, which is usually run in September. The sport is very popular amongst Mauritians, primarily because they love to gamble, and the centre of the racecourse fills with stalls, snack bars and bookmakers on race days.

Admission to the course is free but entry to the stands costs Rs120–175, depending on the races being held, and entry to the outside terraces is Rs20. For more information contact the Mauritius Turf Club, Eugene Laurent St, Port Louis (% 211 2147; e shanip[at]mauritiusturfclub.com; mauritiusturfclub.com).

HORSERIDING

Most hotels can arrange horseriding, although it is often cheaper to arrange it directly with the stables. The standards of horses and safety vary and, if you are not offered a riding hat, you should ask for one (you may have to insist). Do check that all the equipment is safe before setting off. Jodhpurs and riding boots are not usually available, so suitable clothing (long trousers and sensible, enclosed shoes) must be worn.

Some hotels offer horseriding along the beach, something many people dream of doing, but don’t overlook the inland estates which offer riding – it is a great way to explore the island’s interior.

One-hour treks typically costs Rs800–1,200, a half-day ride with lunch around Rs1,800.

Domaine les Pailles Les Guibies, Pailles; % 286 4225; e domaine.sales[at]intnet.mu; domainelespailles.net. Located in the centre of the island, just off the motorway between Port Louis & Moka. Well-managed stables run by qualified & experienced staff. Safety is taken seriously – riding hats must be worn & can be borrowed. Medical insurance is included in the rates. The countryside is beautiful & on early-morning rides you are likely to see monkeys. Reservations should be made at least 24hrs in advance.

Domaine de l’Etoile Royal Rd, Moka; % 729 1050; e cieletnature[at]drbc-group.com; cieletnature.com. Offers guided rides through the 2,000ha estate.

Horse Riding Delights Mont Choisy Sugar Estate, Grand Baie; % 265 6159/421 1166 (after hours); e horseriding[at]montchoisy.com. A highly professional stables offering rides through the estate’s private deer park. It is a fantastic, historic setting, featuring a charming traditional home as the centrepiece. The remains of the sugar factory & lime kilns add to the atmosphere & even the horses enjoy stabling in imposing, old, stone buildings. Riding hats must be worn & can be borrowed on site. There are 17 horses & rides are limited to groups of 10.

Maritim Hotel Turtle Bay, Balaclava; % 204 1000; f 204 1020; e info.mau[at]maritim.de; maritim.com. Offers riding to hotel residents only, along the beach & through the countryside around the hotel.

La Vieille Cheminée Route Principale, Chamarel; % 483 5249; f 483 5250; e caroline[at]lavieillecheminee.com; lavieillecheminee.com; ( Mon–Sat. Riding is on the 250ha working farm, through sugarcane, pineapple fields & forest. These have to be the best cared-for horses on the island – owner Caroline adores them. There are 5 horses, most of which are Boerpeds, well suited to the terrain. Rides are tailor-made to suit clients’ riding ability. Refreshingly, they will not lump you in with a group of other riders of varying ability but will instead take you out in your own small group. No horseriding experience necessary; 1hr, 2hr (€45, or €55 with a picnic) & full-day rides are available.

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Mauritius - Horse Racing And Riding

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Mauritius - Horse Racing And Riding