Former Jockey Darryll Holland to Establish Training Base in Mauritius

Trainer Darryll Holland is embarking on a significant career move, relocating his horse racing operation from Newmarket, England, to the island nation of Mauritius. The multiple Group 1-winning former jockey has received a license from the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) to train at the Champ de Mars racecourse, with racing scheduled to begin on April 25.

A Return to Familiar Territory

Holland, 53, has long-standing connections to Mauritius, having frequented the island towards the conclude of his riding career. He expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating his intention to “establish Darryll Holland Stables in Mauritius and to play an active role in the continued evolution of horseracing at Champ de Mars – one of the world’s oldest and most iconic racecourses.”[1]

Sale of Harraton Court Stables

In preparation for the relocation, Holland recently listed his Harraton Court Stables in Exning, near Newmarket, for sale with WSH Estates, with an asking price of £1.55 million.[1] He purchased the 43-box facility in 2008, initially renting it out before establishing his own training operation there in 2021. During his time at Harraton Court, Holland trained nearly 100 winners, with Jack Andrea being the last, securing a handicap win at Lingfield on February 12.

A Storied Career

Holland’s career as a jockey spanned four decades, marked by success across multiple continents, including Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Mauritius. [1] He began his career as an apprentice to Barry Hills, achieving his first win with Sinclair Boy at Warwick in 1990 and becoming champion apprentice the following year. He came close to British Classic success in 2006, finishing a short head behind in the Derby with Dragon Dancer. Throughout his career, he amassed over 1,800 domestic wins and numerous international victories.

Commitment to Mauritian Racing

Holland emphasized his strong personal connections within the Mauritian racing community, stating, “Beyond the racetrack, I have maintained strong and lasting personal connections in Mauritius and am proud to count many participants, professionals and families involved in the sport among my close friends.”[2] He expressed a long-term commitment to investing in and developing talent within the sport in Mauritius. The Mauritius Turf Club currently licenses 12 trainers, with none holding more than 30 horses.

Holland extended his gratitude to owners who supported his training journey in Britain and to his dedicated team of staff, acknowledging the collaborative nature of the sport.