Senegal opens flagship horse race to betting as racing sector targets overhaul
Senegal’s flagship horse race joins the betting market as authorities push professionalisation, infrastructure and economic growth across the racing sector.
Senegal.- Senegal is seeking to professionalise and modernise its horse-racing sector after the Grand Prix du Chef de l’État (Grand Prix of the Head of State) was offered for betting for the first time, adding a new commercial dimension to the country’s flagship racing event.
For its August 9 running, the Grand Prix was opened to betting following an announcement by Amadou Bissirou Fall, president of the National Management Committee of Horse Racing (CNG), Senego reported. The move was linked to wider efforts to modernise governance and professionalise Senegal’s racing sector.
Following the event, the Senegal Ministry of Youth and Sports reported that the 61st Grand Prix was held at the Ndiaw Macodou Diop racecourse in Thiès. Djirèye Coly, Minister of Youth and Sports, presided over the ceremony on behalf of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, according to the Ministry statement.
The Ministry said Kii Kan La, ridden by jockey Fallou Diop and representing the Lambarfar stable, won the 2,650-metre Grand Prix. The winning stable received CFA9.8m (US$16,800) and a trophy, while the race carried a CFA20m (US$34,300) allocation within CFA45m (US$77,200) mobilised for the 2026 edition.
The Grand Prix of the Head of State also opened a new betting opportunity for Senegal’s racing industry, with the National Lottery of Senegal (LONASE) offering a CFA5.598m (US$9,600) Quinté jackpot around the event. LONASE already offers horse-racing betting through its PMU operation, but the 2026 Grand Prix created a new betting opportunity around the country’s flagship race.
The development comes as Senegal seeks to give horse racing a broader economic role. At the post-event ceremony, the Ministry described horse racing as “a true economic sector with strong potential”, pointing to employment across competition, breeding, crafts, logistics and events.
The Ministry said it wants to structure and professionalise the sector, modernise infrastructure and strengthen training for young people, with the aim of establishing horse racing as a recognised centre of excellence.
Infrastructure remains a key part of that agenda. The CNG had called for a modern racecourse meeting international standards, while also highlighting the potential of local racing to generate jobs and economic value, particularly for young people. Senego reported.
The Grand Prix was held under the theme “Fair play, our greatest victory”, with organisers emphasising ethics, transparency and integrity.
The CNG is also preparing a “Thiès Declaration” on good governance and animal welfare, with a general information assembly scheduled for September ahead of the next horse-racing season, due to begin on the first Sunday of December 2026.
