The President of the Republic of Chad, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, reaffirmed his strong commitment to developing the national horse racing industry during the Grand Prix de la République event held at the Afrouk racecourse, near N’Djamena.
Addressing a crowd of thousands, including passionate fans, breeders, and riders, the Head of State attended multiple races before unveiling a significant financial boost to sustain a sector deeply embedded in the country’s sporting and cultural heritage.
In his announcement, delivered by the Minister of State and Director of the Presidential Cabinet, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, the government pledged an exceptional contribution of 50 million CFA francs to support horse racing competitions and enhance the local equine breed in Chad.
« The President of the Republic is fully committed to supporting Chad’s horse racing industry and improving the national equine breed », the minister declared to the gathered audience.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by leaders of the Association of Breeders and Stakeholders in Chad’s Horse Racing Industry (AEARCT), an organization founded in 1963 in Fort-Lamy, now N’Djamena, recognized as the country’s first public utility association.
During his speech, AEARCT President Idriss Ahmed Idriss highlighted the association’s role as a unifying force in Chadian society for over six decades, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the nation’s equestrian traditions.
He also underscored the historic ties between national leaders and the horse racing community, noting that former President Ngarta Tombalbaye frequently hosted races during state visits, while President Idriss Déby Itno consistently followed televised competitions.
Most notably, he praised the ongoing construction of the new Afrouk racecourse, renamed the « Hippodrome Hassan Guihini Khamis », calling it the most transformative initiative ever undertaken to advance equestrian sports in Chad. Until now, the association’s activities had relied on the old N’Djamena racecourse or temporary venues.
« You are the first Head of State to launch an infrastructure that will host equestrian sports, horse races, the administration of AEARCT, and even an equestrian village », he proclaimed to thunderous applause.
The association’s president also raised critical concerns, including the need for sustainable financing mechanisms for the sector, inspired by pari-mutuel systems widely used in other countries to fund horse racing.
Beyond its sporting significance, horse racing holds deep cultural and social roots across Chad, where horses play a vital role in traditions, livestock farming, and community life.
The presence of the Head of State at Afrouk racecourse and the government’s financial commitment are seen as a powerful endorsement of efforts to modernize and professionalize Chad’s equine industry.
