Daura, Katsina State, February 10, 2026
The Renewed Hope International Horse Racing Derby has concluded in grand style in Daura, Katsina State, with Ramadan, a horse owned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerging as the overall winner of the prestigious tournament.
The highly anticipated derby drew participants from across Nigeria as well as neighbouring countries including the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso, underscoring its growing reputation as a major regional sporting and cultural event.
Auwal Halilu reports that the competition was organized as part of efforts to revive age-long regional ties, promote unity among West African communities, and encourage cultural exchange through traditional sports. The event also highlighted the importance of preserving the rich equestrian heritage for which the region is historically renowned.
Spectators thronged the race venue in Daura, where colourful displays of horsemanship, traditional attire, and local music added to the festive atmosphere. The thrilling performance of Ramadan in the final race earned loud applause from the crowd and sealed the horse’s victory over strong contenders from across the region.
Officials and cultural leaders at the event praised the derby for fostering peaceful interaction, tourism, and mutual understanding among participating countries. They described the competition as a symbol of shared history and collective aspirations, in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of national cohesion and regional cooperation.
The successful hosting of the derby in Daura further reinforces Katsina State’s status as a cultural hub for traditional horse racing and signals renewed commitment to sustaining indigenous sports as tools for unity, economic activity, and cultural preservation.
