After two editions which set the scene and established the Marrakech racecourse as a major arena for horse racing on the African continent, the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC) took up the challenge of offering an edition in a revisited format, offering continental stakeholders the opportunity to debate their common issues and share their expertise, from October 31 to November 2.
The third edition of African Grand Prixorganized by the SOREC in partnership with theAfrican Lotteries Association (ALA)therefore proposed a new interactive space allowing several players to exhibit their know-how at the National Stud of Marrakech, where the stands welcomed several visitors, keen to know the latest developments in the field of horse racing and lotteries on the continent. The second day was devoted to a thematic seminar around the regulation of games, to study the legal, fiscal and security aspects for lotteries in Africa.
On Saturday, the spotlight was finally on theMarrakech racecoursewhich hosted a high-level spectacle, marked by the holding of eight races. Thus, the flagship event of the day, the African Grand Prix 2024was dominated by “Briefing” (owned by Tarik Mansour) and the Moroccan jockey Jaouad Khayate, who were the first to cross the finish line after 1,900 m covered. Saturday started with the SOREC Pricewhich returned to Kacem Faddoul on “Royal Air Force”, from its owner Abdelouahed El Gharib. The public then saw Abdelkader El Kandoussi and “Kit de Cerisy” win at the end of the PMU pricewhile “Nazir Maâmora” and Moughate Amine won the Prix Marrakech.
The African Fraternity Prize smiled on “Donsafa Fal” (owned by El Houceine Chihar) and jockey Soufiane Abou Hayane, who followed up with a second victory in a row during the ALA Prizeon “Nashwa Bouskoura” this time (property of Chtouka Stude). Abdelghani Daouf and his mount “Benzu” (owned by Saad Belkadi) seized the Palmeraie Prize. The last event of the 3rd edition of the African Grand Prix, the Jockey Schools Prizecrowned Salaheddine Essalouani and “Fayrouz Chtouki”, owner Bouchaïb Raknani.
This third edition to be held on African soil aimed to “strengthen the country’s position as a leader in the organization of horse racing events of international scope”, as the organizers specified. THE African Grand Prix is therefore now positioned as a hub for the exchange of expertise and South-South cooperation, bringing together professionals from African lotteries and showcasing Moroccan and African expertise in gaming and horse racing.
Omar Skalli, general director of SOREC: The new format of the African Grand Prix was very appreciated
“It is a huge success, at the end of an exceptional edition, according to the feedback from the various partners, whether lotteries affiliated with the ALA or technological partners. First of all, the new format was very appreciated, that of the stands, but also the quality of the seminars organized. Friday morning, we offered partner commercial seminars, while the afternoon was devoted to 100% African technical experts. Saturday, the day of racing took place in incredible weather conditions, the quality of the Marrakech racecourse also helps a lot, it is a very good quality infrastructure. The races we had on the program were excellent and we closed with the Prix des Écoles de Jockeys, engaging young apprentice jockeys who were trained at the SOREC Racing Academy, but also three Senegalese apprentices, one Malian apprentice and an Ivorian apprentice, who were trained at the Moulay El Hassan National Horse Institute in Rabat. Today they competed in their first race and therefore obtained their licenses. For us, it was a challenge and an honor to have trained them. It is also the realization of South-South collaboration with the Malian, Senegalese and Ivorian sectors.”
Dramane Coulibaly, president of the ALA: we want to continue improving the African GP
“Our impressions are very good and we really want to thank SOREC, which has supported the ALA in organizing this event for three years. We noted a major innovation this year, with the seminars organized and the exhibition of stands. In terms of the organization and quality of the races, we have noted a gradual improvement which we hope to be able to continue in the years to come. I would therefore like to thank all the partners and organizers who supported us, in particular SOREC.”
