Horse Racing: Over Rs 43 Million in Salaries for the HRID in the 2026 Season

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during a session of the National Assembly, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Navin Ramgoolam answered a parliamentary question from MP Jean Patrice France Quirin, representing Beau-Bassin/Petite-Rivière. The inquiry focused on the staffing, salaries, allowances, bonuses, and other benefits granted to employees of the Horse Racing Integrity Division (HRID), a division of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA).

In his response, the Prime Minister stated that the HRID employs 23 staff members, including 15 full-time and eight part-time employees. He also submitted to the National Assembly a document detailing the status of each position, along with their respective salaries, allowances, bonuses, and other remuneration.

The documents presented to the National Assembly revealed that the HRID has a monthly payroll totaling Rs 3,355,310. Considering the 13th month pay, the annual cost exceeds Rs 43 million.

Among the salaries listed in the documents, the position of Head of the Horse Racing Integrity Division has a monthly fee of Rs 547,570, plus Rs 82,136 in VAT and a travel allowance of Rs 20,000, making a total of Rs 649,706 monthly.

The document also mentions a Racing Specialist earning Rs 467,045 per month, with Rs 70,057 in VAT and Rs 20,000 in travel allowance, adding up to Rs 557,102 monthly.

The Chief Stipendiary Steward earns Rs 350,000 per month, while a part-time Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward receives Rs 225,000, with an additional Rs 33,750 in VAT, bringing their total remuneration to Rs 258,750 per month.

These figures were disclosed in response to the parliamentary question posed by Jean Patrice France Quirin. During follow-up questions, the MP asked if the Ministry of Finance intended to conduct an audit or investigation regarding the effectiveness, integrity, and financial management of the HRID.

The Prime Minister replied that this responsibility falls under the GRA board.

Jean Patrice France Quirin also inquired whether certain HRID employees held positions in other public or private institutions simultaneously. The Prime Minister stated he did not have this information but would look into it.

In his main response, the head of government defended the establishment of the HRID, explaining that it followed the recommendations of the Committee on Revamping of the Horse Racing Industry in 2025. He asserted that this new structure was implemented to enhance integrity, transparency, and public trust in the horse racing sector.

The release of these figures comes just weeks before the presentation of the 2026-2027 Budget. The amounts revealed in the documents submitted to the National Assembly are expected to fuel public debate regarding the operational costs of the new structure responsible for regulating and overseeing horse racing activities in Mauritius.