Sokoto Hosts Grand 12th National Horse Racing Derby as Winners Claim ₦37m, Six Cars
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko International Race Course in Durbawa, Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State, played host to a spectacular finale of the 12th National Horse Racing Derby, with champions emerging from the weeklong competition to share over N37 million in cash prizes and six brand new vehicles.
The event, themed “Sokoto 2026,” was organised by the Nigerian Derby Horse Racing Association to mark the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto’s administration. It attracted horse racing enthusiasts, owners and jockeys from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The climax of the derby featured five flagship races the Sultan’s Cup, Governor’s Cup, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Cup, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Cup, and the highly coveted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Cup which offered the biggest rewards of the tournament.
The competition had a strong international presence, with horses and riders from Nigeria, Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Burkina Faso taking part. Organisers said more than 500 competitors featured in the various events, making it one of the largest editions of the derby.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, described the annual derby as a unifying platform that promotes cultural heritage, tourism and economic development. He reiterated the state government’s resolve to complete the ongoing construction of the race course and upgrade it to international standards.
The event drew several prominent personalities, including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, Secretary to the State Government Bello Sifawa, the Chief Judge of Sokoto State Justice Sa’idu Sifawa, lawmakers and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Senator Wamakko described horse racing as a cherished cultural tradition with deep historical roots in Sokoto. He urged organisers and stakeholders to sustain the annual competition to preserve the rich heritage of the sport for future generations.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Sokoto Turf Club, Alhaji Dalha Sidi Mamman, commended donors and supporters for their contributions, assuring that the derby would continue to serve as a platform for promoting friendship and unity among African nations.
The colourful event ended on a high note, reinforcing Sokoto’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for horse racing while showcasing the sport’s potential to drive tourism, cultural exchange and economic growth across the region.
