After a remarkable comeback in New Zealand, Donavan Mansour is headed back to familiar territory—Mauritius. The seasoned South African rider has been confirmed as the new stable jockey for Paul Foo-Kune, marking a full-circle moment in a career that once seemed over.

It was just last year, in October 2024, that Mansour defied expectations and returned to race riding after a five-year layoff due to a severe injury many believed would end his time in the saddle for good. But against the odds, he not only returned—he won.

Now, the Gambling Regulatory Authority has officially cleared him to ride in Mauritius once more, and he’s already resumed trackwork. His return adds serious depth to the 2025 jockey roster, especially with Brazil’s Manoel Nunes already contracted to the powerful Gujadhur yard. Two top-class jockeys, two heavyweight stables—Mauritian racing just got a lot more competitive.

Mansour is no stranger to the Champ de Mars crowd. In 2016, he claimed the title of Champion Jockey while riding for the Rameshwar Gujadhur Stable. His past engagements also include stints with the now-defunct Serge Henry and Hurlywood yards. Across his three previous spells on the island, he has notched up 57 wins—an impressive tally that made him a fan favourite.

His return is more than a comeback story—it's a statement of unfinished business on the island he once ruled.

Racing is expected to restart on 26th of July.