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 <\/strong>and professionalise Senegal’s racing sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Thi\u00e8s. Djir\u00e8ye Coly, Minister of Youth and Sports, presided over the ceremony on behalf of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, according to the Ministry statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Prix of the Head of State also opened a new betting opportunity for Senegal’s racing industry<\/strong>, with the National Lottery of Senegal (LONASE) offering a CFA5.598m (US$9,600) Quint\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201ca true economic sector<\/strong> with strong potential\u201d, pointing to employment across competition, breeding, crafts, logistics and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infrastructure remains a key part of that agenda. The CNG had called for a modern racecourse meeting international standards<\/strong>, while also highlighting the potential of local racing to generate jobs and economic value, particularly for young people. Senego reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Prix was held under the theme \u201cFair play, our greatest victory\u201d, with organisers emphasising ethics, transparency and integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CNG is also preparing a \u201cThi\u00e8s Declaration\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\r\n\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/06\/photo-1535430046985-b806390339ba-300x200.jpg\")
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