Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Saturday attended the closing ceremony of the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby held at the Daura Race Course, where participants from across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries competed in multiple categories.
The derby, themed “Renewed Hope Daura 2026,” drew competitors from Nigeria, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina Faso, showcasing cross-border participation and reinforcing cultural ties through equestrian sport.
Organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria under the chairmanship of Alhaji Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, the event featured several high-profile races and trophy presentations named after prominent national and traditional leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Radda, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Daura, and the Etsu of Nupe.
In the President’s Cup (Race No. 23 – Division IV, 1600 metres), the horse Ramadan, owned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, finished first to claim a saloon car and trophy. Lailatul Qadr, owned by SD Stable, came second and received a cash prize of ₦1 million.
The Governor’s Cup (Race No. 22 – Division II, Sudan Open, 2000 metres) was won by Badauri, owned by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, who took home a saloon car and trophy. Zara, owned by Tajuddeen Dantata, placed second for ₦1 million, while Militao of Speedy Stable and Dan Zaki, also owned by the Speaker, finished third and fourth, earning ₦600,000 and ₦400,000 respectively.
In the Emir of Daura Cup (Race No. 20 – Division V, 2000 metres), Lailatul Qadr, owned by Speedy Stable, secured first position and won a saloon car and trophy. Tahuna of Ameer Stable finished second, followed by Giran Allah owned by Alhaji Saleh Jockey and Mutaziz of Speedy Stable in third and fourth places.
Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto Cup (Race No. 21 – Division III, 2000 metres) saw Speedy II of Speedy Stable emerge winner, claiming a saloon car and trophy. Karab da Gari, owned by Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, came second, while Zaki and Aluwo, both owned by SD Stable, placed third and fourth respectively.
Across the major races, first-place winners received a saloon car and trophy, while second, third and fourth positions attracted ₦1 million, ₦600,000 and ₦400,000 respectively. Additional honours were also contested under the Etsu of Nupe Cup category.
The derby highlighted Katsina State’s longstanding equestrian culture and the growing role of horse racing in promoting tourism, heritage preservation and regional unity. The event also served as a platform for cultural exchange among participating countries.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; as well as official delegations from Niger and Burkina Faso, among others.
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