Senegalese horse racing advocates challenge sector’s future

Senegalese horse racing advocates are pressing for changes to the way the sector is governed and organised, warning that its future depends on decisions shaped by people with direct experience of the sport. They also want regional racing centres protected and oppose a possible move to thoroughbred-only races from 2029.

The Collective of Defenders of Senegalese Horse Racing raised its concerns at a press conference on Monday at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium. Participants came from several parts of the country, including Mbacké, Darah, Kaolack and the Fouta. They argued that leadership should come from within the racing community and understand the roles of owners, breeders, trainers, assistants and other workers linked to the sport.

Regional infrastructure was a central issue. The group said the Thiès track now hosts a large share of races while facilities elsewhere are struggling. Mbacké’s hippodrome was highlighted as being at risk of gradual disappearance, prompting calls for an arrangement that allows different towns to retain their place in Senegalese racing.

The collective also rejected claims that the previous national horse-racing management committee left a debt of 50 million CFA francs, saying the allegation was unfounded. It called for discussion of the racing calendar and the long periods when horses have no competitions, which affect owners and those responsible for their care. The group further warned that limiting races to thoroughbreds could harm the current structure and livelihoods around the sport.