By Hassan Ibrahim
The Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN) says it is working towards producing world-class horses capable of competing in prestigious international races in Dubai and England, as new champions emerged at the just-concluded International Horse Racing Derby in Zaria.
The three-day event, tagged "Renewed Hope Zaria 2026," attracted participants and spectators from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, including the Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Sudan, to the historic Mohammed Aminu Square Racecourse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Saturday, the National Coordinator, Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustafa Abubakar Bida, described the finals as highly competitive, noting that several new champions emerged after former title holders lost their crowns.
According to him, the outcome of the competition demonstrated that hard work and perseverance remain essential ingredients for success in sports.
"Some horses that had dominated previous competitions lost during the finals, while those that had gone back to the drawing board returned stronger and emerged victorious," he said.
The competition featured about 25 races involving more than 250 horses, representing an increase from the previous derby held in Bida, where about 200 horses participated.
Mustafa Bida said the Zaria competition also witnessed the emergence of new horse owners and increased participation, a development he described as evidence that horse racing in Nigeria is steadily regaining momentum.
"Our target is to have horses that are born and bred in Nigeria competing with the best in the world. We hope to see Made-in-Nigeria horses racing in places like Dubai and England in the near future," he said.
Bida commended the National Sports Commission and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for supporting the development of horse racing in the country.
He also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for facilitating plans to construct a new pavilion and upgrade the racecourse at Mohammed Aminu Square.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, represented by the District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijjani, described participation in the Renewed Hope Zaria 2026 Derby as the highest witnessed in the area in four decades.
He commended the HRFN for introducing the starting gate, saying the innovation would improve standards and enhance the international recognition of horse racing in Nigeria.
Six saloon cars, trophies and cash prizes were won during the competition.
Director of SD Stable, Niger State, Alhaji Sa'idu Umar, emerged as one of the biggest winners at the tournament.
He said his stable won several prizes and achieved a remarkable feat in the Talon Race, where its horses finished first, second, third and fourth.
Also speaking, Alkasim Saleh from the Niger Republic commended the organisers for the successful conduct of the competition and praised the hospitality extended to foreign participants.
Observers say the successful staging of the International Horse Racing Derby in Zaria marks another significant step towards restoring Nigeria's rich equestrian heritage and positioning the country as a major horse racing destination in Africa.
0 Comments