By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The 12th edition of the National Horse Racing Derby, tagged “Sokoto 2026,” ended in grand style on Saturday at the Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko International Race Course, Durbawa, following a week of thrilling competitions and cultural celebrations.
The event, organised by the Nigerian Derby Horse Racing Association as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, attracted horse owners, jockeys and thousands of spectators from across Nigeria and neighbouring African countries.
The grand finale featured five prestigious races: the Sultan’s Cup, Governor’s Cup, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Cup, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Cup, and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Cup.
Winners in the various categories received trophies, vehicles and cash prizes, with more than N37 million and six vehicles awarded to winners of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Cup.
Representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the derby, describing the event as a platform for promoting national unity, regional cooperation and socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the ongoing construction of the race course turf to meet international standards.
Vice President of the Sokoto Turf Club, Alhaji Dalha Sidi Mamman, commended donors and supporters for contributing to the success of the event.
He pledged that the annual derby would continue to strengthen friendship and unity among Nigerians and participants from other African countries.
The competition featured horses and jockeys from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Burkina Faso, further highlighting its growing international appeal.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko described horse racing as one of Nigeria’s oldest traditional sporting activities.
He recalled its rich history in Sokoto State dating back to the administration of the late Governor Shehu Kangiwa.
He congratulated the organisers for the successful event and urged them to sustain the initiative to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural and sporting heritage.
Senator Wamakko also stated that the Sokoto State Government, under Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, remains committed to developing a modern race course that will meet international standards and compete favourably with similar facilities across the country.
The colourful event reinforced Sokoto State’s reputation as a major centre for equestrian sports, with the National Horse Racing Derby remaining one of the biggest horse racing festivals in West Africa.