Grand Prix Enters Betting Market
SENEGAL- Senegal is working to modernize and professionalize its horse-racing sector. Officials opened the Grand Prix du Chef de l’État to betting for the first time. This marks a major shift for the country’s flagship racing event. It also adds a new commercial dimension to Senegalese racing.
Amadou Bissirou Fall, president of the National Management Committee of Horse Racing (CNG), announced the move. He confirmed the change for the race’s August 9 running, Senego reported. Officials linked this decision to broader efforts. They want to modernize governance and professionalize the entire racing sector.
Kii Kan La Wins the 61st Grand Prix
The Senegal Ministry of Youth and Sports reported the results afterward. The 61st Grand Prix took place at the Ndiaw Macodou Diop racecourse in Thiès. Djirèye Coly, Minister of Youth and Sports, presided over the ceremony. He represented President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the event, according to the Ministry.
Kii Kan La won the race. Jockey Fallou Diop rode the horse for the Lambarfar stable. The horse completed the 2,650-metre course to claim victory. As a result, the winning stable received CFA9.8m (US$16,800) and a trophy. The race itself carried a CFA20m (US$34,300) allocation. This was part of CFA45m (US$77,200) mobilized for the 2026 edition.
LONASE Launches New Betting Opportunity
The Grand Prix also created fresh sports betting opportunities for Senegal’s racing industry. The National Lottery of Senegal (LONASE) offered a CFA5.598m (US$9,600) Quinté jackpot around the event. LONASE already runs horse-racing betting through its PMU operation. However, the 2026 Grand Prix opened an entirely new betting opportunity around the country’s flagship race.
Racing Seen as Economic Growth Driver
This development fits into a bigger picture. Senegal wants horse racing to play a broader economic role nationwide. At the post-event ceremony, the Ministry described horse racing as “a true economic sector with strong potential.” Officials pointed to employment opportunities across competition, breeding, crafts, logistics, and events.
Moreover, the Ministry outlined clear goals for the sector’s future. Officials want to structure and professionalize racing operations. They also plan to modernize infrastructure and strengthen training programs for young people. Ultimately, the goal is to establish horse racing as a recognized center of excellence.
Infrastructure and Governance Remain Priorities
Infrastructure development remains central to this agenda. The CNG called for a modern racecourse that meets international standards. The committee also highlighted local racing’s potential to generate jobs. This is especially true for young people across the country, Senego reported.
The Grand Prix carried the theme “Fair play, our greatest victory.” Organizers emphasized ethics, transparency, and integrity throughout the event.
Looking ahead, the CNG is preparing a “Thiès Declaration.” This declaration will focus on good governance and animal welfare standards. A general information assembly is scheduled for September. This meeting will take place ahead of the next horse-racing season. The new season begins on the first Sunday of December 2026.
