Champ de Mars Racecourse | Port Louis

Information

Landmark: Champ de Mars Racecourse
City: Port Louis
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Champ de Mars Racecourse, Port Louis, Mauritius, Africa

The Champ de Mars Racecourse is a historic horse racing track and public green space located in the capital city of Port Louis, Mauritius. It is recognized as the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world, having remained in continuous operation since the early 19th century.

Visual Characteristics

The racecourse is a right-handed oval turf track with a circumference of 1,298 meters and a width varying between 12 and 14 meters. It features a 225-meter uphill home straight. The site is characterized by an open grass center and perimeter grandstands of varied architectural eras, including colonial-style wooden boxes and modern reinforced concrete stands. A prominent white obelisk known as the Malartic Tomb and a bronze statue of King Edward VII are situated within the track's interior.

Location & Access Logistics

The track is situated at the foot of Signal Mountain on Pope Hennessy Street, approximately 1.5 km southeast of the Port Louis harbor. Access from the city center is via Rue Desforges or Pope Hennessy Street. During race meetings, the surrounding roads are subject to heavy congestion; pedestrian access is the primary mode of movement from nearby bus terminals. Public transport is available via the Victoria Bus Station and the Metro Express station, both located within a 20-km walking radius. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was originally a military training ground for French troops before the British conquest of 1810. It was inaugurated as a racecourse on June 25, 1812, by the Mauritius Turf Club, founded by Colonel Edward Alured Draper and British Governor Sir Robert Farquhar. The venue served as the site for the official proclamation of Mauritian independence on March 12, 1968. Geologically, it occupies a flat alluvial plain at the base of the volcanic Moka Range.

Key Highlights & Activities

Professional horse racing meetings occur most Saturdays and Sundays from late March to early December. The Maiden Cup, held in September, is the premier event of the season. Spectators can access the public center of the track for free or purchase tickets for the various grandstands. On non-race days, the track is used by the public for jogging and walking, and the central area serves as a venue for national parades and political rallies.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes several grandstands, such as the Crown Lodge and the Duchess Stand, which house VIP boxes and betting halls. Public restrooms are located beneath the permanent stands. During race days, a high density of mobile food vendors occupies the central field and perimeter. Shade is provided by the grandstand roofs and a few scattered trees on the periphery. Reliable 4G and 5G cellular coverage is maintained across the entire site.

Best Time to Visit

The peak period for visitors is during the racing season, specifically on Saturday afternoons between May and October when temperatures are lower. For photography, the early morning offers clear views of the track against the backdrop of Signal Mountain without the large crowds. High-profile race meetings typically start around 12:00 and conclude by 17:00.

Facts & Legends

The Champ de Mars was the location where the Mauritian national flag was hoisted for the first time in 1968, replacing the Union Jack. A local historical oddity is the Malartic Tomb; although a French Governor (Anne-Joseph-Hippolyte de Maurès, Comte de Malartic) is memorialized by the obelisk, his remains were actually interred elsewhere before being moved to the site. The course is famously tight and hilly, making it one of the most technically challenging tracks for jockeys in the international circuit.