Senegal is working to make horse racing more professional and commercially sustainable, and the country’s prestigious Grand Prix of the Head of State will enter the betting market for the first time during its 61st edition on August 9.
The move is a major step for Senegal’s racing sector. Authorities say they want to strengthen the industry by combining better governance, modern infrastructure, and new commercial opportunities. The president of the National Management Committee of Horse Racing (CNG), Amadou Bissirou Fall, announced the introduction of betting on the flagship race, according to Senego.
The 61st edition was held at the Ndiaw Macodou Diop racecourse in Thiès, with Minister of Youth and Sports Djirèye Coly representing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the official ceremony. In the 2,650-metre race, Kii Kan La, ridden by jockey Fallou Diop for the Lambarfar stable, won.
The winning stable received CFA9.8 million (US$16,800) and a trophy. The Grand Prix itself was part of a CFA45 million (US$77,200) financial package for the 2026 edition, including CFA20 million (US$34,300) allocated to the race.
Introducing betting on the Grand Prix also adds a new revenue and engagement channel to Senegal’s horse-racing ecosystem. The National Lottery of Senegal (LONASE) offered a CFA5.598 million (US$9,600) Quinté jackpot linked to the event.
LONASE already offers horse-racing betting through its PMU operations. However, the 2026 Grand Prix represents a significant expansion of betting options around one of Senegal’s most important racing competitions. Policymakers increasingly see horse racing as more than sport. After the event, the Ministry of Youth and Sports described the sector as an economic activity with strong growth potential, citing opportunities across areas such as breeding, competition, crafts, logistics, employment, and event organization.
Authorities say they now want to build a stronger framework for the long-term development of horse racing. Key priorities include improving governance, upgrading racing infrastructure, and expanding professional training opportunities for young people.
Modern racing facilities are seen as essential to these goals. The CNG has previously called for a modern racecourse that can meet international standards while creating more jobs and investment in the local racing economy.
The 2026 Grand Prix took place under the theme “Fair play, our greatest victory”, with a focus on integrity, transparency, and ethical standards. As part of its governance agenda, the CNG is also working on a proposed “Thiès Declaration” covering good governance and animal welfare. A general information assembly is expected in September, ahead of the new racing season, which is scheduled to begin on the first Sunday of December 2026.
Overall, Senegal’s latest initiatives point to a broader ambition to reposition horse racing as a professionally managed sporting and economic sector, with betting expected to provide additional commercial support for future growth.
