President Bola Tinubu’s horse named ‘Renewed Hope’ has emerged victorious in the ‘Hope Renewed 1st Year Anniversary Horse Racing Derby’ held in Kaduna. The four-day event, which concluded on Saturday, was organized by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN).
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tinubu’s winning horse triumphed in the ‘Division 1 Thorough Breed’, a 10 furlong or 2,000 metre race. For its victory, the horse won a saloon car, a cup, and a N100,000 prize.
Tinubu’s horse has consistently shown top performance, maintaining its title as the fastest horse in Africa, having secured first place in the June 2024 tournament in Bida, Niger State.
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In the derby, the second position was clinched by a horse named ‘Sarauinya,’ which received a prize of N1 million. ‘Holiday Parade’ secured the third position with N700,000, while ‘Nawal’ took fourth place and won N500,000.
The Etsu Nupe, who is also the Life Patron of the HRFN, announced plans for a ‘Grade-One’ horse racing derby in Nigeria, which aims to attract global participants. He compared the envisioned derby to prestigious events such as the Royal Ascot, Preakness Stakes, Dubai World Cup, Saudi Cup, and the Kentucky Derby.
Founded in 2019, the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria seeks to create a national platform for organizing, hosting, and regulating horse racing activities across the country. The Etsu Nupe emphasized the federation’s commitment to promoting national unity and prosperity through equestrian sports, fostering cultural norms, and preserving traditions.
Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, the National Coordinator of the HRFN and Sarkin Dawakin Nupe, expressed confidence in the federation’s potential to become a leading force in African horse racing. He highlighted plans for significant financial investment and a strategic approach to expand horse racing competitions across Nigeria.
Abubakar-Bida also noted that Nigeria is taking the lead in horse racing within Africa, with participation from five countries: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Emir of Gwandu’s representative Sarkin Borgun Ka’oje, and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje.
