Pomp and Ceremony as 12th Edition of National Horse Racing Derby Ends in Sokoto
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The 12th edition of the National Horse Racing Derby, tagged , “Sokoto 2026”, concluded on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with pomp and ceremony at the Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko International Race Course, Durbawa, Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The week-long event, organized by the Nigerian Derby Horse Racing Association as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, attracted horse owners, riders, and thousands of spectators from across Nigeria and beyond.
The grand finale featured four major 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 various categories received trophies, vehicles, and cash prizes, with over N37 million and six vehicle splashed on the winners of the President’s Cup.
The event was attended by Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir; Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; and the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo.
Other eminent personalities who graced the epochal yearly equestrian event were the Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Bello Sifawa; the State Chief Judge, Justice Sa’idu Sifawa; members of the National and State Assemblies; and several other dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
An elated Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, expressed happiness with the successful conduct of the annual event, saying that it bolsters national and international unity, cohesion and socio-economic prosperity.
The Governor promised to sustain the current tempo of construction of the turf to make it of high international standards.
The Vice President of the Sokoto Turf Club, Alhaji Dalha Sidi Mamman, commended all donors in aid of the historic event.
He promised that the hosting of the annual event would be sustained to boost unity among Nigerians and nationals of other African countries.
The event featured participation of horses and jockeys from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Burkina Faso.
Speaking at the event, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko described horse racing as one of Nigeria’s oldest traditional sporting activities, recalling its rich history in Sokoto State dating back to the administration of the late civilian Governor, Shehu Kangiwa.
He congratulated the organizers and urged them to sustain the initiative to preserve the country’s cultural and sporting heritage.
Sen. Wamakko further stated that the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, remains fully committed to developing a modern and befitting race course that will meet international standards and compete favorably with similar facilities across the country.
The colorful ceremony underscored the growing popularity of horse racing in Sokoto State.
The National Horse Racing Derby remains one of the biggest equestrian events in West Africa.
