HISTORY

Soon after Mauritius surrendered to Great Britain in 1810 after about a century of French occupation, British Colonel Edward Alured Draper landed on the island. His aim was to earn the esteem and co-operation of the French population, and it is in this light that he introduced horse racing in Mauritius in 1812.
He believed that an eventual co-operation could be created if both parties, who were traditionally rivals, were brought together in an atmosphere of leisure.
Sir Robert Farquhar the Governor of the island backed the initiative, and The Mauritius Turf Club was founded in 1812. On the 25th June of the same year, the Champ de Mars racecourse was inaugurated and, on that day the first organised race meeting took place in the history of Mauritius.
Undeniably, racing is one of the most popular sports in Mauritius and it regularly attracts crowds of over 30.000 people to the only racecourse of the island.
Telephone betting with the TOTE is the only off course betting facility. Bookmakers are allowed to operate on course only.
A high level of professionalism has been reached in the organisation of races over the last decades, thereby boosting competition levels, while seeking to preserve that unique electrifying atmosphere prevailing on race days at the Champ de Mars.

This is the atmosphere we invite you to share during your vacation in Mauritius

The Crown Lodge started its operations in May 2002. Formerly a Racing Stewards' Private box, it has been developed as a tourist activity to enable visitors on the island to discover in optimal conditions of comfort and security, the fever of a horse racing event in Mauritius.
It can accommodate 20 guests with a staff of 2 waiters/barmen, 1 tote teller and 2 hosts.
Being on the first floor of the race stands with an open balcony, guests have a clear view of the horses throughout the race as they overlook the whole track.
In addition, a 21" TV transmits the races live and in between indicates movements of the odds and transmits important international sporting events.

Be there!!!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• You are picked up from your hotel or villa around 11h00 ( south and east coast ) and 11h30 ( north coast )

• You arrive at the Champ de Mars around 12h15 and are welcomed at the main gate of the Mauritius Turf Club

• Upon their arrival in the box , you are offered a welcome drink ( sparkling wine or any other preferred beverage )

• Before the 1^st race a briefing is conducted about all facilities included in your package, together with services that they will be offered during their day at The Crown Lodge

• After the 1^st race a common bet is organised for all guests present with possibilities of winning a jackpot "Pick Six"

• The 8 races are run at intervals of 35 minutes

• All guests are entertained by the Crown Lodge hosts

• Food (hot and cold canapés) and drinks (soft, beer, whisky, wine, rum, gin, vodka etc) are served upon clients’ requests from 12h00 to 17h00 by experienced waiters

• After the last race, clients are led back to their vehicle.

YOUR BENEFITS

• It is a unique excursion, combining history, tradition, glamour, excitement

• It is a great show, organised in a very professional way

• It is the only excursion where there is a possibility to win back the excursion cost

• It is the only event in Mauritius gathering every week more than 20,000 locals of different cultural, social & religious backgrounds

• The box is ideally situated on the VIP balcony, next to Mauritius Turf Club's President, 1^st floor, right over the paddock and overlooking the race track few metres after the Finish Post

• The atmosphere in the box goes from being very friendly at the start to electrifying as the day goes by

• Full service in the box - canapés and drinks throughout the day are already included of the excursion price

• Betting facility in the box

• Assistance and entertainment throughout the day by a horse racing specialist and the promoters of  this excursion

• Possibility of meeting local horse trainers, jockeys & racing stewards

• Dress Code: No suits and no ties required

• The excursion is children friendly.