Nigeria’s horse racing scene is set for a historic milestone as preparations gear up for the start of the country’s first-ever national competition next month.

The Coordinator of Renewed Hope Horse Racing, Abubakar Dangi Mustapha (Sarki Dawaki Nupe), made the announcement on Tuesday while speaking via Zoom on NTA’s AM Sports programme.

Mustapha said the upcoming national event marks a new chapter for horse racing in Nigeria, as the sport expands beyond its traditional northern base to welcome participants from all regions of the country.

“We are committed to making horse racing accessible to all Nigerians,” Mustapha stated. “Our goal is to organize events nationwide and ensure full participation from every region.”

He highlighted the sport’s remarkable progress in recent years.

“Two years ago, horse racing was mostly a local affair. Today, we’ve strengthened and expanded it significantly. Last year alone, we hosted seven major races with participants from across West Africa — a major leap from when races were limited to a few states,” he said.

Mustapha further disclosed that Nigeria has applied to participate in the prestigious Dubai World Cup, which, if approved, would make Nigeria the first African country to compete in the global event.

“This December, we will open a new season, and we have applied for Nigeria to compete in the Dubai World Cup. If approved, it will be a remarkable milestone for the nation,” he added.

He also noted that horse racing has gained greater federal recognition, with the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria in the final stages of official approval. Once completed, elections will be conducted to align it with other national sports federations. Consultations with the National Sports Commission are ongoing, and final clearance is expected soon.

A key driver of the sport’s resurgence is the breeding of local hybrid horses. Previously reliant on imports from Argentina, Sudan, Niger, and Cameroon, Nigeria now proudly boasts the “Niger Breed” — a locally bred horse capable of competing internationally. This marks the first time in more than 60 years that Nigeria has produced a homegrown racing breed.

Horse racing is also contributing significantly to economic activity. Currently, between 300 and 500 horses are professionally managed nationwide, with events attracting hundreds to thousands of spectators over two-week periods. These competitions boost local economies through increased hotel bookings, market activity, and tourism, while fostering cultural exchange across participating regions and nations.

Mustapha underscored the sport’s inclusivity and mass appeal.

 “While horse ownership requires investment, the sport and its entertainment are open to all. About 90 to 95 percent of our spectators are ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

With the Niger Breed gaining international recognition and Nigeria’s bid for the Dubai World Cup under consideration, the nation stands on the brink of becoming an emerging hub for horse breeding and racing in Africa — potentially rivalling global leaders like Argentina in the years to come.