AGOG IN ZARIA AS HORSE OWNERS, JOCKIES TROOP FOR HORSE RACING TOURNAMENT
By Moh Bello Habib, Zaria
Agog in Zaria as Horse owners and their jockey from walks of life to participate in the ongoing 3 day international horse racing Derby themed "Renewed Hope Zaria 2026" organized by Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Tajuddeen Dantata being at held at Muhammadu Aminu Square Zaria in Kaduna State.
The tournament came with difference as Horse owners and Jockies from neighboring countries like Niger Republic, Burkinafasor and Chad participated in the memorable event following the provision of modern starter gate by the Federation which is the first in history of all previous tournaments in the past.
Our Correspondent reports that between the opening day of Wednesday 10th and 11th June, 17 Races of various categories conducted with trophies and Cash prizes were conducted.
Among the winners was Horse Bindigau owned by Nigerien Shsmsu Magarya with it's Jockey Alh Sale that took First position in Division v Arewa Niger Republic Maiden 7F 1400M courtesy of Late Alhaji Yahaya Isah memorial cup, the winner took home Cup and cash prize of 400,000 Naira
However Friday was free day for the Horses and Jockies while final day of the tournament is slated for Saturday where almost 10 Races of different categories will take place.
Speaking with Journalists at the opening ceremony, the National Coordinator of the federation, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha Bida, Sarkin Dawakin Nupe who doubles as Sarkin Sukuwan kasar Hausa thanked president Ahmed Bola Tinubu for supporting the Federation fully to revive Horse Racing in the Country North in particular.
He pointed out that about for about 14 yrears ago Horse Racing has not taken place in Zaria for some reason but with coming onboard of this administration the tournament has been revived following the full support to the federation.
The Coordinator described the tournament as memorable, adding that Zaria was known for Horse Racing for long.
"His words "this historic Race course is built by white men way back 1960th.
"I thanked every body that participated in this tournament especially our counter parts, horse owners from neighboring Countries like Niger Republic, Burkinafasor, Chat and Cameron who came to participated".
