Darryll Holland to exit Britain and relaunch training operation 6,000 miles away to Indian Ocean island

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Trainer Darryll Holland is shortly to embark on an ambitious plan to relocate his operation 6,000 miles from his base in Newmarket to the tropical island of Mauritius.

The multiple Group 1-winning rider has long had contacts on the Indian Ocean island and made the luxury holiday destination one of his ports of call towards the end of his riding career.

After receiving his application before Christmas, Holland has been granted a licence by the Mauritius Turf Club to train at the track, where there are 27 meetings scheduled this year starting on April 25.

Holland said: “I'm pleased to confirm that I intend 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, rich in history, tradition and sporting excellence."

The Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) licenses 12 other trainers and none has more than 30 horses in their stable.

Champ De Mars racecourse in Port Louis, MauritiusCredit: Martin Falbisoner/CC

In preparation for the move, Holland recently put his Harraton Court Stables in Exning, near Newmarket, up for sale with WSH Estates with a price tag of £1.55 million.

The 53-year-old bought the 43-box facility in 2008 to set up training in the long-term, but he rented it out to various trainers until he set up in his own right from the premises in 2021. Holland trained nearly 100 winners during his time at Harraton Court, the last of whom was Jack Andrea, who won a handicap at Lingfield on February 12.

The Mancunian remains best known as a globetrotting jockey who partnered winners in Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and the United States, as well as Mauritius.

Darryll Holland and Kieren Fallon at Harraton Court in 2021 Credit: Edward Whitaker

Holland began as apprentice to Barry Hills, riding his first winner, Sinclair Boy, at Warwick in 1990 and became champion apprentice the following season. He went closest to British Classic success when beaten just a short head on Dragon Dancer in the 2006 Derby and won more than 1,800 races domestically and hundreds more overseas in a career that spanned four decades. He also enjoyed success at the highest level in France, Germany, Italy and Singapore. 

He added: “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. The passion and knowledge of the Mauritian racing public has been central to my decision to return – this time as a trainer – with a long-term commitment to investment, talent development and a positive contribution to the sport. 

"Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the owners who have placed their trust in me throughout my training journey in Britain, and to the exceptional team of staff whose dedication, skill and quiet commitment make everything possible behind the scenes. Racing is never an individual pursuit, and I carry forward their values, work ethic and spirit with immense pride as I begin this new chapter in Mauritius."

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