Niger Republic's Muhtari steals spotlight at Zaria International Horse Racing Derby

Posted : 13 June 2026

Muhammad Muhtari of the Republic of Niger emerged as the star attraction on the second day of the International Horse Racing Derby in Zaria, defeating a strong field of Nigerian competitors to claim victory in the feature race.

Riding Bindigau, Muhtari outclassed 13 other jockeys to win Race No. 12, Division V – Arewa Niger Republic Maiden (7F–1400m), one of the most anticipated events of the competition.

The race, organized in memory of the late Alhaji Yahaya Isah, earned Muhtari a trophy and a cash prize of N400,000. The winning horse is owned by a fellow Nigerien, Shamsu Magarya.

Nigeria's Babangida Bagy, aboard Dan Halal of S.D. Stable, Niger State, settled for second position and received N200,000.

Earlier, Katsina State's Dan Iddi delivered a commanding performance to win Race No. 10, Division III – Talon Maiden (6F–1200m), crossing the finish line in under one minute and 32 seconds. His victory was rewarded with a trophy and a N400,000 prize money.

A total of 10 races were contested on the second day of the annual competition, held under the theme, “Renewed Hope Zaria 2026.”

The event, organized by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria (HRFN), attracted jockeys, horse owners, and racing enthusiasts from across Nigeria and neighboring West African countries, underscoring its growing regional appeal.

President of the HRFN, Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, said the derby remained a vital platform for promoting horse racing while preserving an important aspect of cultural heritage.

He noted that beyond competition, the event continues to foster friendship, unity, and cooperation among participants from different countries.

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, commended the successful staging of the derby and the impressive turnout of spectators and participants.

According to him, the presence of visitors from across Nigeria and neighboring nations reflects the peaceful environment in Zaria and demonstrates the enduring popularity of horse racing among the people.

The day's activities concluded with the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to outstanding performers across the various race categories.

This prestigious equestrian gathering highlights the deep historical significance of horse racing as a unifying cultural tradition in the region. By successfully bringing together competitors and fans from across West Africa, the event reinforces cross-border collaboration and local community pride. As the celebrations wrap up in Zaria, the tournament stands out as a triumph for regional sportsmanship and heritage preservation.

Niger Republic's Muhtari steals spotlight at Zaria International Horse Racing Derby

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