By Idris Umar, Zaria Thousands of horse racing enthusiasts on Wednesday thronged the Mohammed Aminu Square Racecourse in Zaria t...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
Thousands of horse racing enthusiasts on Wednesday thronged the Mohammed Aminu Square Racecourse in Zaria to witness the International Horse Racing Derby, a major sporting and cultural event aimed at reviving the centuries-old tradition of horse racing in Northern Nigeria.
The derby, organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN), attracted participants, horse owners, riders and spectators from across Nigeria, as well as neighbouring Niger Republic, Cameroon, Chad and Burkina Faso.
Tagged "Renewed Hope Zaria 2026," the competition commenced with nine thrilling races on its opening day, showcasing the speed, endurance and skill that have long defined the sport.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was Race One, the Division IV Naija Breed Dukusai (4F–800m), contested for the Late Alhaji Aminu Tijjani (Turakin Zazzau) Memorial Cup.
In a fiercely contested race, Ameerah, representing S.D. Stable of Niger State, emerged champion and claimed the top prize of N400,000, while Aisha, also of S.D. Stable, finished second and received N300,000.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Bida, described the derby as part of ongoing efforts to restore horse racing to its rightful place in Nigeria's sporting landscape.
He noted that Zaria occupies a unique position in the history of horse racing, adding that the Mohammed Aminu Square Racecourse, established during the colonial era, remains one of the country's most historic racing venues.
According to Bida, horse racing activities in Zaria had been dormant for about 14 years before the federation initiated efforts to revive the sport.
"We organised a similar event last year after a 14-year break, and we are continuing with it this year. This makes the event very significant," he said.
Bida explained that the theme, "Renewed Hope Zaria 2026," reflects the support and encouragement received by the federation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed optimism that the annual derby would not only strengthen cultural ties among participating countries but also boost tourism, create economic opportunities and restore Zaria's status as one of Nigeria's foremost horse racing destinations.
Also speaking, the member representing Zaria Kewaye Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Isa Haruna-Mohammed, commended the organisers for sustaining the event.
He pledged support for future horse racing tournaments, noting that such competitions provide meaningful engagement for young people while stimulating economic activities in the ancient city.
The event culminated in the presentation of medals and cash prizes to outstanding performers amid cheers from the large crowd gathered to celebrate the return of one of Northern Nigeria's most cherished sporting traditions.
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