By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
The story of horse racing in Nigeria is incomplete without Kano, the National Coordinator of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar Bidda, said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening of the Renewed Hope Horse Racing Tournament in Kano, Bidda, who holds the traditional titles of Sarkin Dawakin Nupe and Sarkin Sukuwar Kasar Hausa, described Kano as “very historic” to the sport of horse racing.
“I can remember that this racecourse was built during the tenure of former Governor Audu Bako. From his time until now, horse racing has been taking place in Kano for a very long time,” Bidda said.
He noted that Kano has always been home to prominent horse owners and has hosted countless races over the decades.
“As the federation responsible for horse racing activities in Nigeria, history will always remember us for making Kano one of our most important racing centres,” he said.
Bidda said the Kano leg of the Renewed Hope Horse Race would run from June 25 to June 27.
Organisers expect to stage 20 races across different categories, beginning with the Arewa local breed and the Nigerian breed, which the federation continues to promote and develop.
“This is going to be a spectacular event. It is going to be a special race unlike any that has ever taken place in Kano before,” he added.
A major highlight of this year’s tournament is the introduction of the starting gate, a global standard in horse racing.
“One of the most important developments taking place here in Kano, and indeed in Nigeria this year, is the introduction of the starting gate. It has never been used in Nigeria before.
“Kano is the third location in the country where horses will start racing from a starting gate,” Bidda explained
He said the innovation demonstrates that Nigeria “has come of age in terms of global competition.”
“The starting gate ensures that all horses begin the race at the same time. It guarantees fairness and meets international standards. Our races can now be assessed like any other race in the world.”
Since horse racing began in Nigeria in 1962, this is the first year that races will be conducted using a starting gate.
“Nigeria is growing. We are becoming more recognised both nationally and internationally, and this race has a global audience,” Bidda said.
According to the federation, nearly N50 million in cash prizes and seven brand-new cars will be won during the tournament.
“These prizes are simply a token of appreciation and encouragement for those involved in horse racing.
“They cannot be compared to the actual cost of maintaining a horse. They are meant solely to encourage participation,” Bidda said.
The Renewed Hope Horse Race in Kano kicked off on Wednesday evening, with several trophies already won. The event will run for three days.