By Mohammed Baba Busu/Bashir Rabe Mani
The Hope Renewed 1st Year International Horse Racing Derby opened on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria ends on Saturday.
The derby with the theme: ‘Hope Renewed 1st Anniversary Democracy Derby 2nd Edition Under Division System Race’. was organised to commemorate the first year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.
The breeds of contestants included thorough-bred horses originating from Great Britain And Sudan.
Others are Talon-horses originating from Chad and Naija breed, born, bred and trained in Nigeria.
Similarly, there are the Arewa-Local Arewa Horses from Nigeria and Niger Republic.
There are also trophies and car races to be competed for, in the finals on Saturday.
They trophies are: President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Hope Renewed 1st Year Democracy Cup and the Sen. Uba Sani, Governor’s Cup, and 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 horse racing in the country.
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 so take a moment to mourn those who were involved in an accident on their way to this tournament.”
The royal father also commiserated the families of the deceased, adding that, “but even in the face of adversity, we have strength in our shared passion for horse racing.
“We will continue to work together to ensure the sport’s growth and success”.
The National Coordinator, Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, 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, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashr Rabe Mani
