Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda attended the closing ceremony of the Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby in Daura, an event designed to foster regional unity and celebrate the area’s equestrian heritage. The three-day derby, themed “Renewed Hope Daura 2026,” drew competitors from Nigeria, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria under Chairman Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, the event featured several prestigious named trophies. These included cups dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Radda, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Daura, and the Etsu of Nupe. Prize money was consistent across the races: winners received a sedan car and trophy, second place earned ₦1 million, third place ₦600,000, and fourth place ₦400,000.
In the President’s Cup, the horse Ramadan, owned by President Tinubu, claimed first place. The Governor’s Cup was won by Badauri, owned by Speaker Nasir Yahaya Daura of the Katsina State House of Assembly. The Emir of Daura Cup went to Lailatul Qadr of Speedy Stable, while the Sultan of Sokoto Cup was secured by Speedy II, also from Speedy Stable.
The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and representatives from neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso. The event underscores Katsina State’s deep-rooted horse racing culture and its efforts to leverage this tradition for cultural tourism and improved cross-border relations within the West African region.
