Nigeria's Horse Racing Federation Plans Major Derby for 2026

The Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, led by Life Patron Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, is planning a prestigious 'Grade-One' derby scheduled to begin on April 29, 2026, at the Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar III International Race Course in Bida. This event is themed "Renew Hope" and aims to attract participants from around the globe, drawing comparisons to renowned races like the Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby.

The federation, established in 2019, seeks to create a national platform for organizing and hosting regular horse racing activities across Nigeria. Alhaji Sa'id Umaru Lakpen Raba, the federation's treasurer, emphasized the importance of the derby in promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity among various communities.

The event is expected to witness significant attendance, including Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, and various traditional rulers and industry leaders. The federation urges government support to enhance the cultural significance of horse racing in Nigeria.