One of the leading figures of Mauritian horse racing, Gilbert Rousset passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 74 years after a long illness. Gilbert Rousset’s health condition had deteriorated drastically in the last few days and it was his faithful lieutenant Soodesh Seesurrun who was holding the reins of his establishment. A decision was expected in the last few days to decide on the future of this establishment that has marked horse racing for the last 35 years.
Gilbert Rousset’s career dates back to 1987 and during his career he won all the classic races at the Champs de Mars. In addition to his numerous titles as champion trainer – nine titles in total – he has seen several of his horses’ become champions. These include Disa Leader, Mr Brock, Bona Fide, Patrol Officer Expertise, Great Gusto, Mr Speaker and Mr Fabulous among others.
Gilbert Rousset has marked the history of racing in Mauritius, just like the brothers Henry, Philippe and Serge, the Mauritius Turf Club and the Champ-de-Mars which was his garden. He forged a reputation at the top, and for years he shared the Gujadhur stables of champion titles.
Without a doubt, the highlight of his career is to have allowed the prodigious Mauritian jockey Nooresh Juglall to win his title of champion jockey in Mauritius in 2020 after a brilliant career in Singapore. The accidental death of the latter had deeply hurt him, and at that time, he was already ill and thinking of retiring from the horse racing scene.
Le Matinal Media offers its sincere condolences to all those affected by this loss.
