On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the Association of Horse Breeders and the Horse Racing Authority (ASCEL/AHCEL) will organize a day dedicated to racing, heritage, and the revitalization of the equine sector in Madagascar on September 20, 2026, at the Mahazina racecourse. The organization also intends to highlight three decades of collaboration with its partners, notably PMU France.
Since its creation in 1996, ASCEL/AHCEL has supported the structuring of horse racing and equine breeding in Madagascar. According to figures released during a press conference held on Wednesday at the ASCEL/AHCEL headquarters in Andoharanofotsy, 454 race meetings have been organized or supported since that date.
The anniversary day on September 20 will begin at 10:00 AM with the opening of the gates and a photo exhibition retracing thirty years of activities. The first races will start at 11:00 AM, including an event reserved for apprentices. After the official speeches and a cocktail reception at 12:30 PM, competitions will resume at 2:30 PM with several special anniversary events, including the Grand Prix Zazakely “30 years of PMU and ASCEL/AHCEL” and the Grand Prix 30 years PMU-ASCEL/AHCEL-Bet261. The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 PM.
Beyond the competitions, ASCEL/AHCEL is focusing on the development of breeding. The organization noted that it has imported stallions from abroad twice to improve the breed and limit the risks of inbreeding. Three stallions from France were specifically mentioned in this genetic improvement policy. The goal is to strengthen the quality of Malagasy horses and restore a real dynamic to the breeding industry.
However, the sector still faces difficulties, particularly regarding veterinary care. On this point, Michelson Rakotoarisoa, President of ASCEL/AHCEL, launched an appeal to the State: “Madagascar still lacks specialists capable of providing medical follow-up for horses, even though equine breeding supports many stakeholders. Therefore, we call for state intervention to help us sustain the sector in Madagascar. We would like better guidance in training and increased involvement from the Ministry of Livestock.”
After the crises the country has gone through, notably the Covid-19 pandemic, the organization claims to have continued its efforts to maintain races and preserve the sector. With the support of PMU, a historic partner since 1996, it now wishes to consolidate its achievements and bring a new dynamic to Malagasy horse racing.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-10 05:39:11 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/sports-hippiques-jubile-30-ans.html