The first horse race of the season took place at the Biligoni racecourse in Chad, drawing a large crowd of spectators including the wealthy and elite who camp out in the bush to enjoy the event. Horse racing in Chad is considered prestigious, with members of the president’s family, stable owners, businessmen, diplomats, and high-ranking officials in attendance.

The tradition of horse racing in Chad evolved from colonial ties with France, but has faced challenges due to setbacks in the Sahel region and a lack of interest from younger generations. The location of this year’s race was chosen due to its association with Idriss Ahmed Idriss, a racehorse owner and head of an association promoting horse breeding improvements in Chad.

Despite the rich history of horse racing in Chad, there is a sense of decline among enthusiasts, with concerns about the lack of replacements for older owners and the high costs associated with the sport. Traditional race meetings do not involve betting, and the future of horse racing in Chad remains uncertain as younger generations turn to other interests.