The Horse Racing CNG held its general meeting yesterday. It was an opportunity to take stock of the past season, which was strongly marked by innovations. The training of jockeys, the automation of ticketing, the improvement of the breed are among the good notes while the need for a national racecourse was felt throughout the season.
The CNG of Horse Racing under the leadership of Mamadou Lamine Diop took stock of the 2024 season. The figures were shared during the general assembly which was held on Wednesday.
In total, 26 days were organized, with 228 horses competing in the races, including 64 stallions. Which according to the CNG demonstrates the effort of private and national stud farms. There are 77 2-year-old foals. The CNG monitors the performance of horses for their classification. During the season, 138 races were organized in six categories with 114 owners. Which is an improvement compared to last season when there were 100. This interest from new owners can be explained by the attractiveness and the economic model which encourage players to come to the sector.
At the opening of the AGM, the president of the CNG des Courses Hippiques Mouhamadou Lamine Diop (appointed in January 2024) congratulated the work of his collaborators and the partners of Senegalese horse racing. “We are here to share activity and financial reports that reflect the collective efforts made during the season. It is also an opportunity to discuss challenges. Your commitment and passion will continue to be useful to us for the development of this sector.”
Concerning sports infrastructures, the CNG is still waiting for a national racecourse for better organization of major events even if the decentralization of activities remains just as important. “The CNG was enriched with 22 starting stands thanks to vice-president Omar Bao. Initially, the CNG identified three functional racecourses (Thiès, Louga and Tivaouane). Calendar constraints did not allow races to be organized in Tivaouane and Dahra. But there were Mbappat local races (20 days). The challenge is to rehabilitate makeshift infrastructure in Mpal, Gandiol, Rao, Walo, Matam. For the 2025 season, these races will be supported by substantial subsidies from the CNG. It’s about working to make others functional to continue decentralization. In its development plan, the CNG has initiated actions in this direction, in particular the conservation of the Mbacké racecourse. A solution will have to be found to facilitate traffic flows and parking. All this demonstrates the urgency of having a modern national racecourse.”
Partner of the CNG, the National Stud based in Kébémer hosted the first seminar for press stakeholders. With Moroccan cooperation, the first stallion show is planned.
Abdoulaye Bamba Mbaye, deputy director DAPS, represented the ministry of sports » I would like to affirm our satisfaction, congratulate the CNG for the efforts made and express our commitment. Examination of the activity and financial reports allowed us to have a fair assessment of the activities carried out since the installation of the new office. This is the place to congratulate the actors for their commitment.”
Making Senegal a sub-regional hub is the ambition of the CNG. Thus, programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and universities will be activated. Concerning finances, the body has put in place regular accounting, with the increase in overall allocations. 296.7 million were distributed, an increase of 26%, 165 million in 2023. It had record receipts of 5 million on the occasion of the Grand Prix of the Head of State.
Other innovations, the implementation of VAR, the installation of a giant screen, the equipment of the CNG meeting room, the training of 17 jockeys in Morocco and their participation in the African Grand Prix, the commitment to international races, the finalization of executives and socio-professional actors thanks to the bilateral program with Morocco, the acquisition of regulatory garages, the development of a VIP lounge which will be operational at the start of the season.
wiwsport.com
