Horse racing in Kenya dates back to 1904, when it was introduced by British settlers, and grew to be popular with the rich and famous.

But for the racing industry, which has increasingly shed its reputation as a white and elitist sport, and opened up job opportunities for blacks, the turf is now cutting up rough.

Lack of sponsors, even for the big races such as the Derby, and a decline in attendance, as the majority of young Kenyans turn to athletics, cricket, football and rugby, has put the brakes on this once soaring weekend attraction.

Many believe about a million jobs - for grooms and jockeys - are on the line. Jockeys, trainers and punters cannot clearly point to the reason for the declining fortunes.

Some say it is because the majority of Kenyans are ignorant about racing or sponsor fatigue has set in.

The Jockey Club of Kenya (JCK), which has entered into a deal with its South African counterpart to transmit races live on television which provides for locals to bet, is accused of not doing enough to publicise racing.

But leading trainers blame on the local media for smothering the sport. Joe Muya, who trains 27 horses in his stable said breeding thoroughbred horses and staying afloat is an expensive affair that calls for huge resources, commitment and perseverance.

'Rearing race horses is very expensive. They require a specific diet - maize, oats, barley - as balanced a diet as possible. They need to be taken to swim when the weather is very hot and the running ground is very hard. It is not easy,' Mr Muya grumbles. -- AFP