The Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN) has officially announced the hosting of the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby for the 2025/2026 season, second quarter. The event is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 29th April to Saturday, 2nd May 2026 at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III International Racecourse in Bida, Niger State.
Event Details and Purpose
According to a statement from the federation, the highly anticipated derby is organized in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This prestigious event is part of a broader national initiative aimed at promoting unity, youth engagement, cultural heritage, and socio-economic development through sport. The federation noted that the event is expected to attract wide participation from across Nigeria and neighboring countries, including Cameroon, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Republic, and Senegal.
Participants and Categories
Participants will include elite stables, professional jockeys, and equestrian enthusiasts, competing across multiple race categories. The event promises to be a thrilling display of speed, discipline, and horsemanship. The finale is scheduled for Saturday, 2nd May 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and will be graced by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside governors from across Northern Nigeria, first-class traditional rulers, captains of industry, and other distinguished stakeholders.
Expansion and Impact
Building on the success of the first quarter races held in Hadejia (Jigawa State), and Doguru and Daura (Katsina State), the federation continues to expand the reach and impact of horse racing as a national sport. The upcoming Bida Derby is projected to host over 100,000 spectators, with an estimated media reach exceeding 2 million viewers per broadcast. The Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby remains a flagship platform for celebrating Nigeria’s rich equestrian heritage while positioning the sport for global competitiveness.
Invitation and Contact
The Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria hereby invites the general public to attend and witness this historic and prestigious event as scheduled. For further enquiries or sponsorship, interested parties can call 0706 734 1991 or email the federation at the provided address.
