The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, has disclosed that the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria is planning a ‘grade-one’ horse racing derby in Nigeria.

Mr Abubakar spoke on Saturday in Kaduna at the closing of the four-day International Hope Renewed 1st Anniversary Horse Racing Derby.

Mr Abubakar is the life patron of the federation, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Nuhu-Bamalli is the grand patron, while Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, Sarkin Dawakin Nupe is the president.

The derby was organised by the federation in commemoration of the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Abubakar said, “Such derbies attract participants from across the world. This is with the same level of prestige as the Royal Ascot, Preakness Stakes, Dubai World Cup, Saudi Cup and the Kentucky Derby.”

He said that the federation was founded in 2019 to create a national platform to organise, host and regulate horse racing activities across the country.

According to Etsu Nupe, the federation is dedicated to promoting national unity and prosperity by bringing from various regions through a shared passion for equestrian activities.

Also, the Sarkin Dawakin Nupe expressed confidence that the federation would soon become a leading force in horse racing in Africa.

According to him, this will be released with significant financial investment, a bold strategy and a passion for the project.

(NAN)