The Hope Renewed 1st Year International Horse Racing Derby opened on Wednesday in Kaduna.The event, put together by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, to commemorate the first year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu, will end on Saturday.The breeds and categories of horses running include thoroughbred horses originating from Great Britain And Sudan-horses originating from Sudan.
Others are Talon-horses originating from Chad and Naija Breed-horses, born, bred and trained in Nigeria. There are also Arewa-Local Arewa Horses from Nigeria and Niger Republic.According to the organisers the participants will be competing for trophies and car at the all-important sport meet final on Saturday.
These include the President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Hope Renewed 1st Year Democracy Cup and the Governor Uba Sani’s Cup.The rest are the Sultan’s Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Horse Amirul Muminin Cup.
They also include Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau’s Cup and Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe’s Cup.
Speaking at the event, the Life Patron of the federation, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said it has worked tirelessly to promote the sport of horse racing.
He said, “Today’s event is a testament to our dedication. We have witnessed growth, excitement and passion from our participants and spectators alike.“As we celebrate this anniversary, we also remember those who have supported us along the way. We pay tribute to the horses and riders who have entertained us with their skills and process.“Sadly, we take a moment to mourn those who were involved in an accident on their way to this tournament,” Abubakar said.
The national coordinator, Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, Sarkin Dawakin Nupe, said the Derby was organised to bolster unity across Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.
According to him, there are participants from across Nigeria and other African countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroun, among others.
“This historic event is aimed at reviving horse racing as an age-long event that started in the 1960’s and with Kaduna as its hub,” he said.
The event was graced by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Bamalli, the Emir of Machina in Yobe, Dr Bashir Bukar, the Madakin Zazzau, Alhaji Munnir Ja’afaru and the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Liman, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Kaduna state, among others. (NAN)
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