Champs de Mars

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About Champs de Mars

It is without any doubts that Mauritius is home to many beautiful beaches and diverse fauna and flora, but did you know that it is also home to the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere? It is home to the Champs de Mars which is located in the capital, Port Louis.

Champs de Mars held its first races in June 1812 and to this date, it is still used for horse racing purposes.

The Champs des Mars is also where you will find a statue of King Edward VII and the Malartic Tomb, which pays tribute to a French governor. It is also at this very place where Mauritius declared its independence in 1968.

The racing season kicks off in April and lasts till around the last week of November with most races being held on weekends. The most popular horse races include the Duchess of York Cup, Barbé Cup, Maiden Cup, Duke of York Cup. The infrastructure of the racing track is sure to impress fans of horse racing internationally.

Managed and maintained by the Mauritius Turf Club, it is up to this prestigious club to decide everything related to the horse races ranging from dates, timings and also the dress code for the events.

Champs de Mars offers a wide variety of seating arrangements such as grandstand, seated galleried and VIP Rooms which are available only to the members of the Turf Club and their relatives.

On days that races are held, Champs de Mars will be filled with thousands of horse racing enthusiasts. You will also have many food and beverage stalls for you to have delicious snacks while enjoying the tensed races while being surrounded by fervent supporters.

Should you wish to visit during weekdays to just enjoy the quietness and enjoy the infrastructure; you will surely be able to see the race track from the outside and get a feel of this place.

It is best to keep a whole day for Champs de Mars especially if you are visiting it on a day when races are being held. So do not hesitate to include Champs de Mars in your itinerary. You can also partake in some betting, who knows maybe lady luck will be on your side!