The Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN) says it is expanding the sport beyond its traditional northern base while introducing stricter anti-doping measures to eliminate horse abuse and other unethical practices.
The National Coordinator of the federation, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida, disclosed this on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Renewed Hope 2nd Edition of the West African Horse Racing Derby at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.
Mustapha-Bida described the opening day of the 2025/2026 season finale as successful, saying events unfolded largely as expected.
He noted that attendance was modest on the opening day but expressed confidence that more spectators and dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, would attend the remaining days of the three-day tournament.
“There was nothing that happened today that was not envisaged. We expected new winners, and we expected the opening day to be largely ceremonial. More guests are expected from tomorrow and Saturday,” he said.
The national coordinator said the federation had intensified efforts to eliminate horse doping and other forms of abuse that undermine the integrity of the sport.
According to him, the HRFN is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the proposed Sports Anti-Doping Agency to establish standards that will eradicate performance-enhancing drug use and other unethical practices.
“There has been a lot of abuse of horses in Nigeria, particularly in terms of doping and other unethical practices. We are determined to end this, and by next year we hope to have closed that gap,” he said.
Mustapha-Bida acknowledged that horse racing has traditionally been concentrated in northern Nigeria but said the federation was working to transform it into a truly national sport.
He disclosed that administrative and technical structures were already being established across the country to support the expansion.
According to him, the next horse racing season, expected to begin in November, will feature competitions in at least one state each in the South-East and South-West.
“Traditionally, horse racing has been a Northern affair, but as a national federation, we are building structures across the country.
“By next season, we hope to stage races in at least one state in the East and one in the West,” he said.
Mustapha-Bida described the derby as a celebration of one of Africa’s oldest sporting traditions and a platform for strengthening regional cooperation through sports.
He said the Renewed Hope West African Horse Racing Derby aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting tourism, youth empowerment, economic growth and national unity.
He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to building a transparent, competitive and internationally respected horse racing industry capable of preserving Nigeria’s equestrian heritage while contributing to economic development.
The coordinator also urged competitors to uphold discipline, fairness, integrity and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
The event attracted horse owners, breeders, jockeys and participants from Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
On the opening day, Ameerah, owned by S.D. Stable, won the Division IV Naija Breed Dukusai (two years and below) race for the ARMECO Cup.
Mai Nasara, owned by Dan Yahaya, claimed the Dawakin Barga Maiden Zaria da Kewaye race for the Late Alhaji Mamuda Mamman Lagos Cup.
In the Division V Arewa Nigeria Maiden race for the Late Alhaji Umar Idris (Dan Galadiman Zazzau) Cup, Al-Ansar, owned by the Emir of Lokoja, emerged victorious, while Zam Zam, owned by Mr V Stable, won the Division V Arewa Nigeria Maiden race for the Late Alhaji Ibrahim Bako Cup.
Kolele, owned by SSA Stable (Sadiq), won the Division V Arewa Niger Republic Maiden race for the Late Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli (Magajin Garin Zazzau) Cup, while Middle East, owned by Mustapha Aminu, secured victory in the Division IV Naija Maiden race for the Late Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, 18th Sultan of Sokoto Cup.
In the final race of the day, Dan Zaki, owned by Nasiru Daura, won the Division II Sudan Maiden race for the Col. Abubakar Dan Gwa Umar Cup.
The three-day championship is expected to promote horse racing, encourage healthy competition and strengthen sporting and cultural ties among participants from Nigeria and other West African countries.
Source: NAN
