Senegal Grand Prix in Toulouse: Sardinian Ruler, a horse owned by a Senegalese man, finishes 3rd; his owner has big plans for the country.

Sardinian Ruler's third-place finish at the Grand Prix of Senegal in Toulouse on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is a source of great satisfaction for his owner, Idrissa Niang, better known as "Papis Niang." Ridden by Antoine Hamelin and trained by Gianluca Bietolini, the horse once again proudly represents Senegal on the international equestrian stage.

But behind this sporting achievement lies a much greater ambition. Papis Niang wants to make horses a true economic driver for Senegal. A passionate horse racing enthusiast, Papis is the president of Sen Galop, vice-president of the National Horse Racing Management Committee (CNG-CH), a member of France Galop, and president of the Thiouth stable.

Through his investments in racing horses in France and Italy, he also intends to use his international experience to support the development of Senegalese racing.

He wants to structure a genuine horse economy, capable of generating jobs in breeding, training, veterinary medicine, farriery and the organization of competitions.

This momentum is expected to continue with the 2027 Grand Prix horse racing circuit, scheduled from April 26 to May 2. The program includes four Grand Prix events, a livestock fair, and a National Forum on the Equine Economy. This initiative aims to bring together professionals, investors, and public authorities to discuss the future of the industry.

Sardinian Ruler's 3rd place finish in Toulouse thus takes on a special significance. Beyond the sporting result, it symbolizes the desire of a Senegalese entrepreneur to promote his country internationally and to transform a popular passion into a genuine industry.