President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s horse, named ‘Renewed Hope,’ has triumphed in the ‘Hope Renewed 1st Year Anniversary Horse Racing Derby’ that concluded in Kaduna on Saturday.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that the four-day historic sports event, which began on Thursday, was organized by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN).
Tinubu’s winning horse emerged victorious in the ‘Division 1 Thoroughbred,’ covering 10 furlongs or 2,000 meters. The horse secured a saloon car, a cup, and a prize of N100,000.
Previously, in June 2024, Tinubu’s horse upheld its title as the fastest horse in Africa by clinching first place in the tournament held in Bida, Niger State.
In the recent derby, the second position was secured by a horse named ‘Sarauinya,’ earning N1 million. ‘Holiday Parade’ came in third, winning N700,000, while ‘Nawal’ finished fourth with a prize of N500,000.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who is also the Life Patron of the HRFN and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, announced plans for a ‘Grade-One’ horse racing derby in Nigeria. He emphasized the prestige of such derbies, comparable to the Royal Ascot, Preakness Stakes, Dubai World Cup, Saudi Cup, and the Kentucky Derby.
He explained that the HRFN, founded in 2019, aims to create a national platform to organize, host, and regulate horse racing activities across Nigeria. The federation is dedicated to promoting national unity and prosperity through a shared passion for equestrian activities.
The Etsu Nupe highlighted the federation’s efforts to strengthen cultural norms and values through sports to prevent the extinction of cultural traditions.
The National Coordinator of the Horse Racing Federation, Mustapha Abubakar-Bida Sarkin Dawakin Nupe, expressed confidence that the federation would soon become a leading force in African horse racing. He noted that this vision would be realized through significant financial investment, a bold strategy, and passion for the project. Efforts are also being made to expand the competition throughout Nigeria.
“Nigeria is taking the lead in horse racing within the African community. We are proud to be part of this historic achievement and to have contributed to making it a reality,” Abubakar-Bida stated. He mentioned that the event saw participation from five countries: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Life Patron of the federation and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Ilyasu Bashar, was represented by the Sarkin Borgu, Ka’oje, and Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, among others.
