Horse Racing Federation targets nationwide expansion, anti-doping reforms 

Horse Racing Federation targets nationwide expansion, anti-doping reforms

The Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN) says it is expanding horse racing across the country while introducing stricter anti-doping measures to curb abuse of horses 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 said the opening day of the 2025/2026 season finale went as anticipated, with no major surprises, describing it as largely ceremonial.

He said attendance on the first day was modest but expressed optimism that larger crowds, including President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries, would attend the remaining days of the 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 was intensifying efforts to eradicate horse abuse, particularly the use of performance-enhancing substances.

According to him, the federation 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 eliminate doping 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.

On the concentration of horse racing in Northern Nigeria, Mustapha-Bida acknowledged the region’s historical dominance but said the federation was determined to transform the sport into a truly national activity.

He said 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 competition 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 aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting economic growth, youth empowerment, tourism and national unity.

According to him, the federation remains committed to building a transparent, competitive and internationally respected horse racing industry capable of preserving Nigeria’s equestrian heritage while contributing to economic development.

He urged competitors to uphold discipline, fairness, integrity and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The tournament attracted horse owners, breeders, jockeys and participants from Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries and featured races across several categories.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that winners on the opening day included Ameerah, owned by S.D. Stable, which won the Division IV Naija Breed Dukusai (2 Years and Below) race for the ARMECO Cup.

Mai Nasara, owned by Dan Yahaya, won 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, claimed 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 tournament is expected to promote horse racing, encourage healthy competition and strengthen cultural and sporting ties among participants from Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. NAN