The inaugural Vietnam Cross Country Amateur Challenge 2025 was held on August 16, 2025, at the Thien Ma Madagui horse and greyhound racing complex in Lam Dong Province. Featuring professional European horse breeds, the event challenged riders and horses over an 1,800-meter cross-country course, emphasizing speed, endurance, and teamwork. Organized by Thien Ma Madagui Racing JSC with a prize pool exceeding US$57,000, the competition was free to the public to promote equestrian sports and community engagement, while positioning Madagui as a national hub for horse riding and supporting Vietnam’s athletic development ahead of the 35th Southeast Asian Games.
The event also marked the relaunch of the Thien Ma Madagui complex, a major project with a total investment of $59 million, approved by the Vietnamese government to include legal betting activities. Initially developed since 2011 without betting, the complex had paused racing and betting in 2018 due to regulations. Now, it is expected to create around 3,000 jobs and generate significant tax revenue, contributing to Lam Dong’s tourism diversification and long-term provincial development strategy through 2050.
