Lagos to host maiden Grand Horse Race in September

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Lagos Grand Horse Race, themed “Race Into the Future,” as part of efforts to position the state as Africa’s leading destination for horse racing, tourism and cultural entertainment.

The three-day event is scheduled for Sept. 11 to 13, 2026, at the National Stadium in Surulere and is expected to attract more than 30,000 local and international participants. Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of using sports, culture and entertainment to drive tourism growth and economic development.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Taoreed Dosunmu, Oyekan-Ismaila said the event would provide a major platform for showcasing Lagos as a global tourism destination while creating business opportunities for residents and investors.

She explained that the Lagos Grand Horse Race would combine competitive horse racing with fundraising, live music, fashion, food fairs and cultural exhibitions, creating a unique festival designed to attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

According to the permanent secretary, the event is expected to stimulate economic activities across the hospitality and tourism sectors, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies, artists and other businesses connected to the state’s visitor economy.

“The Lagos Grand Horse Race will provide a significant boost to tourism, culture and the economy. It will also strengthen destination branding and reinforce Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading destination for sports and cultural activities,” she said.

Earlier, the Convener and Founder of the Lagos Grand Horse Race, Mr. Femi Fasoro, described the event as a platform for youth engagement, sports development and the preservation of Nigeria’s equestrian heritage. He said traditional horsemen from different parts of the country would participate, with about 100 horses expected to feature in competitive races and cultural displays.

Fasoro added that beyond the races, the festival would celebrate fashion, entertainment, culture and national unity while creating opportunities for young people to explore careers and business prospects in the sports and tourism industries. He said the long-term goal is to revive public interest in horse racing and establish Lagos as a leading hub for equestrian sports in Africa.