Mauritius strengthens horse racing betting integrity with British expert Mark Blackman
Gambling regulator appoints former British Horseracing Authority integrity official to race stewards board and oversight division ahead of April season start.
Mauritius.- Mauritius’ Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has appointed British horse racing integrity specialist Mark Blackman to the Board of Race Stewards, in a move aimed at strengthening oversight of the island’s racing sector and associated betting markets ahead of the 2026 season.
Blackman also joined the regulator’s Horse Racing Integrity Division as part of the January 2026 appointment and brings extensive experience across racing regulation, including 16 years at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) where he served as Raceday Integrity Team Leader, as well as 14 years as a journalist with the Racing Post.
“Mark Blackman joins the Board of Race Stewards,” the Gambling Regulatory Authority said in a communiqué announcing the appointment.
Racing season oversight
The appointment comes as Mauritius prepares for the start of its 2026 horse racing season on April 25 at Champ de Mars Racecourse, a period associated with wagering through licensed bookmakers and tote systems.
In his new role, Blackman will contribute to race-day oversight and integrity functions within the GRA’s Horse Racing Integrity Division, supporting regulatory supervision of the sport and linked betting operations.
The regulator has also named Blackman as chair of the Handicapping Review Panel, which reviews handicap ratings and related decisions to support transparency and consistency in race outcomes.
Horse racing remains a central pillar of Mauritius’ regulated gambling sector, with the Authority responsible for licensing operators, supervising racing activities and enforcing integrity measures across the industry.
