THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CUP (DRAPERS MILE)

ST PIERRE PIERREFONDS AIRPORT - 150TH ANNIVERSARY CUP

The highlight tomorrow, Saturday 29th April, will be the remittance of the 150th anniversary cup. A little bit of history on the subject : this race has been organised for the first time in 1962 in line with the 150th anniversary of the Mauritius Turf Club.  The winner of this race was Demdyke with jockey Joe Gilmore on its back...  The souvenir photo below is Mr Tom Vickers offering the cup to Mr Radhamochun Gujdahur, owner of Demdyke...

THE CROWN LODGE IS STILL 'FIDELE AU POSTE' - SATURDAY 29TH SPECIAL PRIZE ST PIERRE - PIERREFONDS AIRPORT - STRONGER LINKS WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FROM REUNION

WANT TO GO TO ST PIERRE REUNION ?  PHONE AIR MAURITIUS...

PROJECTOR ON THE BEST GROOMED HORSES LAST SATURDAY - FROM THE RACETIME MAGAZINE

1st Race : Rasta Rebel, Punter's King, Lord Wellington

2nd Race : Var's Dream, Prince George, Purple Rock

3rd Race : Without a Doubt, Right to Tango, Captain's Cronicle

4th Race : Black Tractor, Triad of Fortune, Tigre Libre

5th Race : Navistar, Burg, Bellicosity

6th Race : Mr Leyend, The Pripster, New Hampshire

7th Race : Dealers' Charm, Greatfiveeight, Rock On Geordies

8th Race : Seven Carat, Anafesto, Studiolo

JOCKEY RAYMOND DANIELSON OF PERDREAU TRAINERS

Raymond Danielson will make his debuts this Saturday.  This South African jockey arrived early this week and, during training sessions on Thursday, showed his skills on Olympic Bolt, Trackmaster, Castle, Sunset Breeze and Forward Drive, amongst others...  

'I AM VERY THRILLED TO RIDE IN MAURITIUS'... 

These words came from young apprentice, Jockey Kersley Ramsamy, who opened his account on our turf during the 4th meeting... 'my best chance was Black Tractor'... 'Concerning Alpha Pegasi, I did give him a good chance according to the draw and winning on him was a bonus for me'... 

'First of all, I am very grateful to Messrs Alain and Yannick Perdreau, Mr Glover, all the owners'...

A STYLISH AND PRIVILEDGED ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE CROWN LODGE ENTERTAINS ITS GUESTS...

Come and experience a truly fastastic experience ... The Crown Lodge is perfectly located to make the most of the 'Mauritian Electric Atmosphere' nowhere to be seen in the whole world...

Adults, children all have their own space and entertainment !

Jacques and his team will go through the racecard with suggestions as to horses who might be worth backing... the lodge will be yours for the whole day.  Your package includes all your food and drink.

Plese come, please call : 57 29 96 21

Thanks for your support!

STATE-OF-THE-ART-FACILITIES - TOP CLASS HOSPITALITY

THIRD MEETING - THE T PRINTERS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CUP

The South African Brandon Lerena ended the 3rd meeting with a 100% record as Scotsnog justified his status as favourite in the main race on Saturday 08th April.  Happy Brandon below 😅

WHO CAUGHT ATTENTION AT TRAINING SESSIONS THIS WEEK?

Answeringenesis, who won the inaugural meeting seems to be in even better condition.  Entree, also a winner at the first meeting, remains in good nick.  The following new ones also caught attention : Elysian Park, Storm Clipper, Redwood Valley, Mexamore, Malak El Moolook, Victory Team, Promissory, Baron Bellet, Glorious Goodwood, New Hampshire...  So watch out on Saturday 15th !

WATCHING TOP CLASS RACING 

The Crown Lodge is located on the 1st floor and has its own private viewing balcony direclty overlooking the winning post.  You will be seduced by stunning views... particularly when the horses approach the final straight.

THE PARADE RING

The Box has easy access to the Parade Ring... Our team will be glad to escort you there when you wish.

OUR HOSPITALITY PACKAGE

On arrival, you will be me met by Jacques himself for a breifing before you are escorted to your box by one of the hostesses.  Our full day package includes all your food and a complimentary bar : unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, selected spirits, champaign !  Hostesses will pass trays with homenade hot snacks and will go to the bar and bring your drinks if you do not wish to leave your comfort.  Just before the 6th race, our celebrity host, Jacques will be personally serving a traditional Mauritian food.

STYLISH AND PRIVILEDGED ENVIRONMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT

We entertain our clients in a very relaxed atmosphere, offering a very high level of service as well as excellent hospitality.  Most of the time, our first time visitors rebook immediately for the next meeting should they happen to be on the island for a long stay... See Anna below, she did not stop saying how happy she was...  See you again on Saturday 15th Anna !

Very relaxed atmosphere, see for yourself, how the ladies below are enjoying themselves...

FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE

The guets below had the opportunity to watch a race from the 'judges' box... souvenir picture with the Director of the Mauritius Turf Club, Mr Benoit Halbachws (first from the left)...

Some of the comments from guests - Saturday 08th April 2017

47th yeear back, again... what amazing experience.  We will see you again next year.. !!

It was an amazing experience to join the Crown Lodge... Thank you so much (Russian Guests)

The best experience !!! (UK Guests)

Danielle is the best hostess... Brillant time, Rosalie made the experience the best it could be !!

Brillant, fantastic day...

We 'made their day' too

THANK YOU !

Jacques and team wish to warmly thank all their guests for trusting our services and look forward to welcome them again soon.  We invite you all to experience this fantastic day with us.  We look forward to your bookings.  It will be our great pleasure to share special moments with you.  Please come !  Phone us : + 230 57 29 96 21

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY - SATURDAY 01ST APRIL 2017

HOW IT STARTED...

The Duchess of York cup on Saturday 25th March was a 'full house' at the Champ de Mars.  Ready to Attack with Swapneel Rama on its back won the cup.  The electric ambiance is certainly back.  The show has begun!

1ST OF APRIL - WHO WILL BE FOOLED ? 

None of Crown Lodge's guest, rest assured !  2nd meeting of the season and our second opportunity to make your day!  Have a good night's beauty sleep and prepare yourself for unforgettable time at the Champ de Mars tomorrow.

SOME OF THE NEW HORSES IN THE 2017 ADVENTURE 

Le Clos, Shreya's Star, Without a Doubt (top tip in Race 8), Awesome Adam, Rock Hard, Aspara (arrived in Mauritius with a good reputation),  Impressed, Studiolo, (top tip in Race 1), Newsman, Varational, Kimberley... Jacques will let you have the official programme with all the details as soon as you step in ...  and needless to say, tips and valuable recommendations for the day.  Your guide!

The ambiance... the Mauritan Saturday fever..

Above the typical ambiance under the trees in between the races, the Mauritian style...

Below : 

THE HAPPY FACES 

IN ALL PRIVACY IN THE COSY LODGE...

Guess who's that 'Star' ...

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY AT THE CROWN LODGE

Souvenir pics of memorable time with our host Jacques

AND THE BEST SPOT TO HOLD YOUR DRINK AND 

ENJOY THE HOME MADE SNACKS

TAKE IT EASY, HAVE FUN, ENJOY YOUR DAY, JACQUES AND HIS TEAM CAN'T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU AT THE CROWN LODGE

DON'T MISS THE PARADE IN BETWEEN THE RACES

TIME TO LEAVE BUT NOT WITHOUT A SOUVENIR PICTURE AND A SPECIAL THOUGHT FOR THE BEAUTIFUL LADIES WHO VISITED

We thank you for your trust and look forward to welcome you at the Crown Lodge.  You will be overwhelmed, promise !  

Jacques and Team

J-1 THE VOCALCOM DUCHESS OF YORK CUP

FIRST CLASSIC OF THE SEASON

Here we go !  The first classic of the season marks the start of a fabulous, long awaited 2017 adventure.  It is said that, when The Duchess of York Cup is run in the first meeting, it favours the horse who has the plentiest of stamina, not the medals !  Let the show begin!

On Tuesday 21st, during training the following horses attracted attention : Ready to Attack, Belong to Me and Hard Day's Night. Belong To Me showed stamina and provided spectators of his amazing abilities without seemingly... little effort!  To follow ...

Robert Khati on the back of Lividus, a good-looking Grey, will make his debut tomorrow... 

Good Luck Robert !

The South African Brandon Lerena is back in Gilbert Rousset's Team. 

Welcome Back Brandon !

The Australian Steven Arnold, the new riding whip of the Gujadhur Trainer impressed...

Keep it up Steven !

A DAY AT THE CHAMP DE MARS, IN STYLE

The Crown Lodge : a set of Premium Services that has a unique perspective on the Champ de Mars. It is located on the VIP balcony and is next door to the box of the President of the Mauritius Turf Club. The strategic locacion allows a magnificient view on the finish line and the 'paddock'...  We take care of EVERYTHING !  Hotel transfers, open bar from start to finish, assistance by a professional team and needless to say, they are horseracing lovers, betting facilities, interaction  with local trainers, well you name it.    'Cerise sur le gateau', you are also covered by insurance !

A RELAXING SPOT WHICH GRADUALLY COMES TO LIFE UNTIL THE ATMOSPHERE BECOMES ELECTRIC !

You said electric atmosphere ?

TRIP ADVISOR : CROWN LODGE WON THE 2016 

EXCELLENCE CERTIFICATE

Jacques is very proud to display the Excellence Certifcate he obtained from Trip Advisor last year.  A certificate he and his team deserve.  118 guests rated his services as Excellent and 18 as Very Good. A few of the comments in the reviews : 

'We attended the Maiden Cup in Sep 2016 - Jacques and team were so hospitable and great fun, and the Mauritius track experience was electric! So much more fun than any UK meet...'

I am not a horse racing person at all but, as I have observed in the past, I love to attend the atmospheric and ancient race track in the heart of Mauritius. My pleasure has been considerably enhanced over the past couple of years with a place in the Crown Lodge Box , hosted by the inimitable Jacques Ritter. The hospitality was all enveloping and the company of the enthusiastic racegoers from around the globe was enervating. One dark cloud on my personal horizon was watching a horse in the Ladies race, stumble and break a leg. It was the first ( and I hope last ) time I have witnessed such a tragedy with the young jockey weeping as the horse was humanely put down. I was angry until a veterinary surgeon, also a guest in the box, explained the complexities of a horse with a broken leg to me. It helped me understand but I still admit that this 72 year old world worn journalist who was present at Hillsborough, Heysel and the Munich Olympics shed a quiet tear or two. But I would recommend the Crown Lounge if you are visiting Mauritius and attend the races, especially for the International Jockey' Weekend the first weekend in December - whether you like horse racing or not.

2017 HORSE RACING SEASON

THE OPENING OF THE SEASON SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2017

Overall Conditions for Group Races :  Unless otherwise stated, Group Races will have the following benchmarks : G1 : 60+, G2 :  55+, G3 :  50+
Souce and more information  : The Mauritius Turf Club website : www.mauritiusturfclub.com

This beautiful place is waiting for you...one month to go!

THE DUCHESS OF YORK CUP

The Duchess of York Cup was run for the first time in Mauritius on 1st of June 1927.  It was on the occasion of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to the island of Mauritius.  The winner was Zinovieff who belonged to Mr Adrien Dalais.  Nearly a decade later, Mauritians will relate the Duchess of York to ...H.E. Sarah Ferguson, who did come to Mauritius after her wedding in 1986.

On Saturday 25th March 2017, The Duchess of York Cup will be the highlight of the first meeting of the season.  The distance : 1400 metres, Group 2 (55+) and benchmark 40+ (handicap race).  Eligibility : open to newly imported horses (unraced in Mauritius) with a Mauritian rating of 40 or more.

SOME NAMES OF THE NEWLY IMPORTED HORSES YOU MAY WISH TO JOT DOWN

Olive Garden, Sierra Redwood, Executive Power, Ole Gunnar, Charleston Hero, Redwood Valley, Zagazig, Rebel Alliance...

WINNER OF THE DUCHESS OF YORK CUP 2016

Night in Seattle was the winner of the Duchess of York Cup 2016 with the Mauritian Jockey R. Joorawon on its back.  Souvenir photos :

WATCH THE RACE IN STYLE

Make the most of your day at the Champ de Mars.  No stress on how to get there and what to eat or drink during the day.  Just pack an elegant dress and a hat if you like wearing hats.  Home made food and a variety of drinks (champaign, beer, wine, cocktails, juice, you name it, we serve it) will be available during the whole day.  Betting station inside the box as well as two just outside.  No hassle...Book your seat at the Crown Lodge: jritter@crown-lodge.net or call : + 230 52 29 96 21

THE ONE STOP LODGE

The Winning Post is a few metres from the balcony of the Crown Lodge.  Drink your champaign, let the sun caress you and watch your horse win !

The ambiance at the Champ de Mars at this specific point is nowhere to be found on the planet !  You need to experience this 'standing and jumping ovation' ! The highlight of your stay in Mauritius!

YOUR PREFERRED HOST, JACQUES, IMPATIENT TO WELCOME YOU

His Panama hat is always on; he is always on the go to make sure you are having the best time ever.. unfailing hospitality that you will find hard to forget kilometres away, back home...

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION

We read on the net that 'Passion needs to meet experience, expertise and ability that is distilled into your one big idea.  That intersection is your story' !  Thanks to the person who wrote these words. Your idea of spending a day at the Crown Lodge will be your story worth telling, a treasure you will pack in your suitcase to share with family and friends.  Unforgettable moments...  The 2017 adventure starts on the 25th of March and ends on the 3rd of December.

SEE YOU SOON

Check the flights to Mauritius, book your seats, book your hotel and finally book your day at the Crown Lodge.  Jacques will look after you from start to finish.  www.crown-lodge.net 

Credit Photo : Emmanuel Gelb - Blogger

Thanks for your trust.