Champ de Mars – Where Hooves, Heritage, and History Collide

Welcome to Champ de Mars, the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere and the beating heart of Mauritius’s colonial sporting legacy. Located at the foot of Montagne des Signaux in Port Louis, this historic racetrack was inaugurated in 1812 by the British governor Sir Robert Farquhar—not just for sport, but also to promote unity among the French settlers and British rulers.

But over the centuries, Champ de Mars has become more than just a racetrack. It’s a cultural tradition, a social gathering point, and a national stage—where generations of Mauritians come to cheer, celebrate, and connect.

🎠 What You’ll Experience

Race days (mostly Saturdays) turn the green oval into a vibrant carnival of cheering crowds, bookmakers, families in their Sunday best, and rhythmic sega beats in the air

The official stand still echoes colonial elegance, while the grassy embankments invite spectators from all walks of life

Home to major national ceremonies, including Mauritius’s independence proclamation in 1968, held right on its central lawn under the waving quadricolore

The Malcolm de Chazal gallery and horse museum nearby offer deeper dives into the history of racing and art


📸 Tips for Visitors

🐎 To feel the excitement, attend a live race between May and December—arrive early for good views

🎟️ Entry is often free for public areas, but VIP sections and boxes can be booked in advance for a closer look at the action

☀️ Bring sunscreen and water—it gets hot under the open sky

📷 The best photo spots? Near the finish line or from the hills above, where the whole track and city meet in one breathtaking frame

🎉 Don’t miss the food stalls—local snacks like gateaux piments and boulettes add to the festive flair


Champ de Mars isn’t just about horse racing—it’s where history runs laps with passion, where flags were first raised, and where the pulse of Mauritius still gallops strong.

#ChampDeMars #HorseRacingMauritius #ColonialLegacy #PortLouisHeritage #MauritiusCulture #HistoricRacecourse #IslandTraditions #TurfClubMauritius #MauritiusEvents #MauritiusIndependence



Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

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Lepe Augustine @augustinelepe3303

Reading about champ de mars really gets me into the colonial spirit! The vibrant culture and rich history are so much to unpack here. I’d love to know more about the local events and what makes this racecourse so special.
2 days ago

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