Shan Ip: “The MTC will not tolerate any unacceptable behaviour”

The 2017 Horse Racing season started on Saturday 25 March and attention was brought on allegations focused on members having illicit dealings. However, the new Chairman of the Mauritius turf Club, Mukesh Balgobin, told guests present at a reception early this month that there will be strict discipline during the racing courses and that he will not tolerate any mischief. News on Sunday called upon Shan Ip, the Communication and Events Manager of the MTC, to let us know about this year’s calendar and whether horse racing is still an important entertainment event for the people. 

What can we expect of the 2017 horse racing season? 

The Mauritius Turf Club will hold 37 meetings this season and the first meeting was scheduled for Saturday 25th March and the main race on this opening meeting was, of course, ‘The Vocalcom Duchess of York Cup’, which is our first classic race. This particular race was reserved for the newcomers, and ran over 1,400m. Our second classic race, The ‘Barbé Cup’ has been scheduled for the 8th July whereas the ‘Air Mauritius Maiden Cup’ will be held on Sunday 3rd September. Finally, The Duke of York Cup also known as The Gold Cup, sponsored by Swan Insurance is due to take place on 28th October. The Mauritius Turf Club is also glad to announce that Quantum has decided to be its official sponsor for the 2017 season which  ends with The International Jockeys’ Week-End on the 2nd and 3rd December. 

Is there anything new in this year's calendar?

Of course, first of all we have a new board of administrators with a new president, namely Mukesh Balgobin, who is well known to the racing industry. The latter has said that his main aim is ‘To Make The MTC Great Again’. We started working on our racing calendar since a very long time and all our fixtures have already been finalized. This will allow the trainers to plan their season better. For this 2017 season, we are expecting more than 200 new horses from South Africa. Trainers and owners have invested a lot and consequently, we expect a very competitive season. We have two new trainers, namely Preetam Daby and Amar Sewdyal. In fact, they aren’t so new, having both worked with Hugues Maigrot. We have 14 trainers who will be competing this season. 

What are the changes brought to the Rules and Regulations?

I know that our Racing Department has done a number of changes. Unfortunately, I can’t elaborate on these changes, as we are still waiting for the approval of the Gambling Regulatory Authority. 

What are the expectations of racegoers in terms of gains at stakes and games?

Expectations in the racing industry are always high mainly concerning the monitoring of races. This is why the newly elected president has said that the MTC will not tolerate any unacceptable behaviour in and around the racecourse. Jockeys, trainers and all those concerned should assume their responsibilities. But in order to have a smooth organisation, the MTC needs the help and the understanding of the authorities. There is definitely room for improvement at this level.

What are the measures taken by the MTC so as to keep race days more of an entertainment day rather than a betting day?

Unfortunately, we can’t do more than we can for the time being as we have a lack of space and facilities. This is why the MTC plans to have a new racecourse constructed with all modern facilities. This project has been the talk of the town since long ago but for different reasons nothing has yet been decided. 

Is there any change brought at top management level of the MTC?

It’s public knowledge that Mr Benoit Halbwachs has resigned as General Manager of the Mauritius Turf Club. He is taking up a new role as director of racing. This means that the MTC is looking for a Chief Executive Officer. Until this CEO is found, Mr Benoit Halbwachs will continue to act as General Manager.