Lagos targets 30,000 visitors for biggest horse race carnival

Lagos State is set to host one of Nigeria’s largest horse racing carnivals, with organisers expecting more than 30,000 visitors at the three-day event scheduled for September 11 to 13 at the National Stadium, Surulere.

Speaking at a news conference in Alausa, Convener of the Lagos Grand Horse Race (LGHR), Femi Fashoro, said the event, themed “Racing into the Future,” will feature local and international horse riders while promoting youth participation in sports, tourism and entertainment.

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Fashoro said the carnival would showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through traditional horse parades, music, dance, fashion exhibitions, arts, crafts and local cuisine, alongside competitive horse racing.

He added that over 100 horses are expected to participate through collaborations with polo clubs across Lagos, while interested riders will have the opportunity to rent horses at affordable rates. Winners of the competition will receive cash prizes.

According to him, the event is designed to position Lagos as a leading destination for sports tourism and attract global attention through extensive television, radio, print and digital media coverage.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan, represented by Toheed Dosumu, reaffirmed the state government’s support for the initiative.

She noted that horse racing has existed in Lagos since 1904 and said the carnival would expand the sport beyond its traditional elite audience by combining racing with music, fashion, food and cultural exhibitions.

Oyekan added that the event is expected to boost the state’s economy by creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artisans, tour guides and other local businesses through increased visitor spending.