Kaduna: The International Horse Racing Derby has commenced on Wednesday in Kaduna, Kaduna State, according to Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, National Coordinator, Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the epochal event, organised by the federation, is themed: ‘Hope Renewed Sahel Savannah Series 2025, Under Division System Race’.
Speaking to NAN on the sidelines of the second day of the race on Thursday, Mustapha-Bida said that the event was held in commemoration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the ‘Sarkin Dawakin Nupe’, the federation organised the event in response to the good works Tinubu has been doing for Nigeria in the past two years.
He said, “This is because of the trust we have in him and his administration, as Tinubu is doing a lot for the nation.
“We believe in his government, we know he means well for Nigeria, and he has done a lot to ensure that the Nigerian economy is back on track.
“He is also very supportive of the local production of horses in Nigeria.”
Mustapha-Bida further added that Tinubu has been very special about sports development, adding,” that’s why he created the National Sports Commission (NSC), as there is no Sports Ministry now.
“That has reduced the bureaucracy, and the Executive Chairman of the commission has excessive powers to ensure that sprouting activities are greatly improved.”
He added that Kaduna was very special to the horse racing industry in the country. Mustapha-Bida said,” The history of horse racing cannot be complete without the mention of Kaduna.
“This is because it was in 1953 that the late Sardauna of blessed memory brought horse racing to Nigeria. That’s why the closing event for the season of horse racing is usually done in Kaduna to commemorate its starting in Nigeria.”
The HRFN national coordinator also stated that there were seven races on the first day of the four-day sports meet, recalling that there were seven competitions for the season, including those in Bida, Yola, and Zaria, among others.
According to Mustapha-Bida, the event has participants from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and the Republic of Burkina Faso.
He stated that there were five categories of race, with breeds of horses such as the local breed, Sudan, and Talon, among others.
Mustapha-Bida expressed happiness that Tinubu’s horse has maintained its lead in the past two years.
He said, “We are hopeful that it will still do so as it is its natural crown and it will maintain it during the grand finale on Saturday.”
Mustapha-Bida stated that the grand finale is expected to be declared closed by Tinubu.
“He will be assisted by esteemed guests like the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajuddeen Abbas, among other top-notch personalities from within and outside Nigeria.
