Tchad’s grand prix de la république 2026 boosts horse racing sector with major funding

At the Afrouk racetrack on the outskirts of N’Djamena, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the growth of Chad’s equine industry during the 2026 Grand Prix de la République. The event drew thousands of enthusiasts, breeders, and riders who witnessed the races before the President announced a landmark financial boost for the sector—a cornerstone of the nation’s sporting and cultural heritage.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of State, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, Minister of State and Director of the Presidential Cabinet, unveiled a 50 million CFA francs allocation to modernize horse racing and enhance the country’s equine breed. “The Republic will stand firmly behind the advancement of horse racing in Chad and the improvement of our equine stock,” he declared to a roaring crowd.

The announcement was warmly received by leaders of the Association of Breeders and Stakeholders in Chad’s Horse Racing Sector (AEARCT), founded in 1963 in Fort-Lamy (now N’Djamena) and recognized as the country’s first public utility organization. AEARCT President Idriss Ahmed Idriss highlighted the association’s six-decade role as a unifying force in Chadian society, uniting individuals from all walks of life.

He also reflected on the deep historical ties between Chad’s leadership and the equestrian world. “From President Ngarta Tombalbaye’s state visits marked by racing events to President Idriss Déby Itno’s televised support for competitions, the nation’s highest authorities have long championed this tradition,” he noted.

The biggest highlight of his speech, however, was the ongoing construction of the new Afrouk racetrack—officially named the Hippodrome Hassan Guihini Khamis. This project, he emphasized, represents the most significant investment in Chad’s horse racing history, shifting activities from the aging N’Djamena racetrack and temporary venues to a state-of-the-art facility.

“You are the first Head of State to inaugurate an infrastructure that will host equestrian sports, horse races, the AEARCT administration, and even an equestrian village,” he told the President, drawing thunderous applause.

AEARCT’s leader also called for sustainable funding mechanisms, inspired by pari-mutuel systems used abroad, to ensure the long-term viability of Chad’s horse racing industry.

Beyond its sporting dimension, horse racing holds profound cultural significance across Chad, where horses play a central role in traditions, livestock farming, and social life. The President’s presence at the Afrouk racetrack and the pledge of financial support signal a bold step toward modernizing and professionalizing the nation’s equine sector.