The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) of Mauritius has appointed Mark Blackman, a seasoned British expert in horse-racing integrity, to its Board of Race Stewards. The move is intended to strengthen oversight of the island’s racing industry and its betting operations ahead of the 2026 season.

Blackman will also join the GRA’s Horse Racing Integrity Division from January 2026. He brings extensive experience, including 16 years at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) where he served as Raceday Integrity Team Leader, and 14 years as a journalist with the Racing Post. The GRA highlighted his expertise and the importance of his appointment in an official statement.

The 2026 racing season begins on April 25 at Champ de Mars Racecourse, and Blackman’s appointment underlines Mauritius’s commitment to high integrity standards especially given the prominence of licensed betting through bookmakers and tote systems during the season. In his roles, Blackman will support race-day integrity and oversight activities within the Horse Racing Integrity Division.

He will help regulate racing events and related betting markets to ensure fair play and transparency. He has also been named chair of the Handicapping Review Panel, where he will oversee the review of handicap ratings and related decisions to promote fairness and consistency in race results. Horse racing remains a key part of Mauritius’s regulated gambling sector. The GRA continues to manage licensing, monitor racing operations, and enforce integrity measures to protect the industry’s reputation.