Mauritius Gambling Regulatory Authority appoints riding masters to strengthen horse racing integrity
The regulator overseeing gambling and betting activities moves to establish a structured apprentice jockey development pathway.
Mauritius.- The Mauritius Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has appointed two Riding Masters within its Horse Racing Integrity Division (HRID) to strengthen training standards and integrity in the country’s horse racing sector, a key part of the regulated betting market. The move comes ahead of the 2026 racing season, scheduled to begin on 25 April at the Champ de Mars racecourse.
Former jockeys Vijayanand Bundhoo and Belall Wachill have taken up the roles, where they will mentor apprentice riders and support the development of a structured training pathway for future jockeys.
The move forms part of broader efforts to establish a national jockey academy and apprentice development programme, aimed at improving the pipeline of locally trained riders and raising professional standards within Mauritian racing.
The GRA said: “Their primary objective will be to set up a Jockey Academy for local talents and an apprentice programme for different categories of local apprentices.”
The Riding Masters will mentor apprentice riders and assess when trainees are ready to compete in official races. “They will also conduct theoretical and practical courses to familiarise apprentice jockeys with all aspects of horse racing,” added the GRA.
Bundhoo is widely recognised within Mauritian racing circles, having enjoyed a successful career at the Champ de Mars racecourse, where he previously earned champion jockey honours. Wachill brings international experience to the role, having spent part of his career in Australia, where he worked as a senior track rider for the Godolphin Australia stable.
By strengthening oversight and professional training within the sport, the authority aims to ensure riders meet appropriate technical and disciplinary standards before competing.
