The Etsu Nupe and life patron of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Yahaya Abubakar, says the federation is planning a ‘Grade-One’ horse racing derby in Nigeria.

He spoke at the ongoing International Horse Racing Derby, which commenced on Thursday, at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III International Race Course, Bida.

Mr Abubakar, who is also chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, said, “Such derbies attract participants from across the world. They have the same level of prestige as the Royal Ascot, Preakness Stakes, Dubai World Cup, Saudi Cup and the Kentucky Derby.”

The Etsu Nupe added that the federation was founded in 2019 to create a national platform for organising, hosting, and regulating horse racing across the country.

According to him, the federation is dedicated to promoting national unity and prosperity by bringing people from diverse regions together through a shared passion for equestrian activities.

He said sustained efforts would be intensified to strengthen the cultural norms and values of the people through sports, preventing cultures and traditions from going extinct.

Also speaking, Sa’idu Umaru, the Lakpene Raba Nupe and national treasurer of the federation, said this year’s event was organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He expressed delight at the wider participation from across Nigeria and other West African nations, with various breeds of horses gallantly partaking in the epochal event.

The national treasurer described the 2026 event as unique, noting that all participants were law-abiding and there was absolute fair play.

He underscored the significance of horse racing in fostering peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity for host communities and the nation at large.

He therefore urged greater federal government support for horse racing, given its link to national unity and the economy.

Mr Umaru added that the grand finale on Saturday would witness the historic attendance of Nigeria’s first lady, Remi Tinubu, wives of governors, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and several other distinguished horse racing enthusiasts from across the nation and Africa.

(NAN)