The Luxurious Journey of Top-notch Horses to a Prestigious Global Racing Spectacle

On Saturday, 122 athletes gathered to compete at a prestigious track meet. The participants had come from 14 different countries across five continents to take part in one of the largest racing events in the world.

But these athletes weren't wearing sneakers. They were horses.

The Dubai World Cup offers $30.5 million in prizes, with nine races, including the main event with a $12 million purse. It brings together top equestrians from around the world.

Although the races are short, the process of transporting the horses requires months of preparation and the efforts of hundreds of people.

"This is a big job," John Nicholls, quarantine manager at Dubai Racing Club, remarks. Nicholls and his team take care of the horses' health from the moment they arrive in the city until they depart, managing the quarantine stables at the impressive Meydan Racecourse, which cost $1 billion.

According to Nicholls, "It's like a luxury hotel for the horses here." The horses receive ample water, hay, and personal care during their stay.

Emirates Skycargo has been transporting champion horses from across the world to the Dubai World Cup and Carnival races since 2002.

Emirates Skycargo has been transporting champion horses from across the world to the Dubai World Cup and Carnival races since 2002.

Emirates

Economy, business, or first

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and a passionate horse racing enthusiast, owns his own Boeing 747 that is typically used to transport racehorses to and from the city for events.

"Currently, the plane is undergoing maintenance, so the horses are being flown on commercial flights instead. It's not a significant difference, but having our own aircraft is much more convenient for us," Nicholls explains.

Horses are transported in the cargo bay of a plane in air-conditioned stalls. Each plane can accommodate up to 25 stalls, with a maximum of three horses in each stall. Nicholls explains that in the equestrian world, having two horses in a stall is considered economy class, while one horse per stall is like flying first class.

Emirates Airlines provides tailor-made stalls for horses during travel. These stalls feature adjustable roofs, ventilation covers to regulate light and temperature, and non-slip rubber floors. Nadeem Sultan, senior vice president of cargo planning and freighters at Emirates SkyCargo, describes these amenities as offering an experience similar to Business Class regardless of the number of horses in the stall.

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But when it comes to flying horses, having more space doesn't necessarily mean they will be more comfortable. Suné Schäffler, the general manager at Equitrans, a company that specializes in equestrian logistics and partners with the Dubai Racing Club, explains that horses are herd animals. This means they prefer to be close to each other, especially the younger horses. As long as they can see the horse next to them, they are content.

Some bigger horses may require more space during travel, but this is not always true. According to experts, certain horses have unique travel behaviors. Even if they are small in size, they may have a lot of energy and need larger spaces. On the other hand, some horses can feel claustrophobic and become anxious if they come into contact with the sides of their stall. To avoid any potential panic or injury, these horses are given a more spacious area during transportation.

In the past 12 months, Emirates SkyCargo says it has transported over 2,500 horses across its freighter network.

In the past 12 months, Emirates SkyCargo says it has transported over 2,500 horses across its freighter network.

Emirates

Professional groomsmen, also known as horse handlers, accompany the horses during the loading process and the journey. A veterinarian is also present to ensure the well-being of the horses. Take-off and landing are the most challenging times, as this is when issues are most likely to arise. To protect the horses, they may wear items such as socks for joint support, headgear for cushioning bumps, and earplugs if they are sensitive to loud noises.

During the flight, the horses are provided with water to stay hydrated. Although they do not receive their usual meals, it is important to keep them occupied for a stress-free experience. To keep the horses content, they are often given hay or grass to chew on.

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In general, horses travel very well, especially the international athletes who are used to it, according to Schäffler. He mentions that the horses are actually very easy to transport.

Nicholls points out that it's the people and the large amount of equipment they bring that put the most strain on transport teams. He estimates that at least 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds) of equipment traveled with the 82 horses this year, including riding tack, food, and even their own water supply for their stay.

"People often bring unnecessary items," Nicholls explains. He remembers a traveler who brought a crate too large for the airport's forklift, and another who carried an antique chest filled with extra riding gear. These items must pass through customs, causing delays when not properly labeled.

Horses walk to Meydan Racecourse from their quarantine stable for morning track work ahead of the Dubai World Cup.

Horses walk to Meydan Racecourse from their quarantine stable for morning track work ahead of the Dubai World Cup.

Rebecca Cairns/CNN

Some trainers like to bring their own straw and stable bedding. This can help with dust allergies or simply to ensure every aspect of the horse's routine is managed carefully.

According to Nicholls, many in the sport are superstitious. For instance, stalls or boxes that were used by a previous winner are highly sought after. Horses also often wear lucky charms on their bridles.

Pony passports

Horses arriving for the Dubai World Cup fly into Al Maktoum Airport, located on the outskirts of the city. From there, it's just a quick 45-minute drive to Meydan Racecourse. This short distance makes it easy for the horses to move from the transport vehicle to their stalls without any hassle, reducing the risk of injury.

Efficient handling of documentation is crucial in expediting the process of loading and unloading horses onto the tarmac. Equitrans is one of the companies responsible for managing important paperwork such as passports for the horses.

According to Schäffler, horses must fulfill specific requirements for travel, including residency status, potential quarantine periods, blood tests, and vaccinations. Each horse is equipped with a unique microchip number for identification purposes. Additionally, their passport contains details such as color, sex, breed, and distinctive markings to aid security personnel in easy identification.

Equitrans founding partner David Robson believes that it will cost between $2.5-3.5 million to fly in the 82 horses for the competition.

The extensive paperwork handled by companies like Equitrans helps streamline security checks for the horses, making the journey to the event easier for the traveling team.

Emirates Equine is a tailor-made solution for transporting horses.

Emirates Equine is a tailor-made solution for transporting horses.

"It's convenient for the Hong Kong horses to travel to Dubai because the quarantine period is short," explains Toto Wong, a race commentator from the Hong Kong Jockey Club who accompanied the team to Dubai. Wong mentions that the horses from Hong Kong arrived 11 days before the competition, allowing them ample time to adjust to their new surroundings before the race.

Horses, like people, can experience jet lag, although some are more affected than others. According to Nicholls, it is recommended for horses to arrive two to three weeks before the race to allow them time to acclimate. However, for this particular event, horses were still arriving just five days before the race, and Nicholls has even witnessed horses being flown in the day before they compete.

While many people consider the Dubai World Cup to have ended on Saturday evening, individuals like Nicholls and Schäffler find themselves even busier. Horses began their journey back home as early as Sunday morning after the event.

“Most of them aren’t fazed by it,” says Nicholls, adding that whether they’re flying economy or not, “they’re looked after first class.”

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of horse racing, showcasing the extraordinary efforts and resources invested in transporting these majestic animals for prestigious events like the Dubai World Cup. The logistics behind moving hundreds of horses from across the globe is truly awe-inspiring, involving specialized aircraft, tailored stalls, and a team of professionals dedicated to ensuring their well-being.

It's remarkable to learn that horses, despite their size and strength, are actually quite adaptable to air travel. Their herd mentality and contentment with close proximity make them relatively easy to transport, although individual needs and temperaments are carefully considered. The article highlights the importance of proper documentation and efficient handling of paperwork, which streamlines the process and reduces delays. It also touches upon the unique challenges of transporting horses, such as potential jet lag and the need for a comfortable and stress-free environment during the journey.