Emirates SkyCargo flies top racehorses on freighters to Dubai

Handlers Aircraft manufacturers Airlines

March 21, 2017

Emirates SkyCargo has been transporting some of the world’s best racehorses to Dubai for one of the most prestigious global racing events – the Dubai World Cup – taking place on 25 March.

Champion thoroughbred horses have been arriving from all parts of the world into Dubai on freighters over the last few weeks.

One of the most recent arrivals for the Dubai World Cup on Emirates SkyCargo was Arrogate (pictured above), currently the world’s highest rated racehorse. Arrogate won the Pegasus World Cup earlier this year in Florida and is one of the prime contenders for the $10 million Dubai World Cup prize.

Arrogate was joined by stable companion Hoppertunity, another contender for the Dubai World Cup, for the journey from the US to Dubai. The carrier worked with the international equine transport specialist Janah Management Company, who also provided highly specialised grooms to accompany the horses, to ensure successful and safe transportation.

Arrogate and Hoppertunity were not the only American horses to have travelled to Dubai on Emirates SkyCargo. Stallwalkin Dude and Imperial Hint, also part of the American contingent at the Dubai World Cup night races, arrived on freighters at Dubai World Central.

Emirates SkyCargo also operated a special charter flight from Japan to transport some of the leading contenders for the top prize on race night. Apollo Kentucky, Awardee and Gold Dream were amongst the horses that arrived at the Emirates SkyCentral freighter hub earlier last week to take part in the races.

A few of the other leading horses flying in from different parts of the world included Move Up from the Godolphin stables in Newmarket, UK and Dundonnell, Amazing Kids and Not Listenin’Tome from Hong Kong.

Every year the carrier transports horses through scheduled freighter flights and through special charters for premier racing and equestrian events across the world.

Emirates SkyCargo says it complies with all the regulations set out by national and international authorities on live animal transport including IATA Live Animals regulations (LAR). The carrier’s freighter hub at Dubai World Central airport includes dedicated areas for handling and airside ramps for horses.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.