Gulf Conflict Strands Jockeys & Trainers in Dubai – Flights Suspended
The ongoing conflict in the Gulf region has created significant disruption for the international horse racing community, leaving dozens of jockeys and trainers stranded in Dubai and raising serious questions about the future of upcoming racing fixtures. The crisis, stemming from escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, has led to widespread airspace closures and damage to critical infrastructure, including Dubai International Airport.
Among those affected are prominent riders such as Ryan Moore, Oisin Murphy, and Stephane Pasquier, who had traveled to Dubai for the Super Saturday meeting at Meydan on February 28th. Many others had established winter residencies in the United Arab Emirates, and now find their return journeys indefinitely delayed.
The situation at Dubai International Airport is particularly concerning. Confirmed damage sustained during Iranian attacks has led to the suspension of all flights to and from the airport until at least , though many anticipate a much longer disruption. Emirates Airlines has issued warnings to passengers, and uncertainty reigns among those hoping to depart.
Kieran Shoemark, who has been based in Dubai for two months, was scheduled to return home after his contract concluded on . “I’ve been here for two months, and my contract ended (yesterday), so I was due to fly back this morning,” Shoemark said. “The airport is shut, and there’s just so much uncertainty, I don’t feel anyone really knows what’s going to happen.” He has managed to secure an extension on his accommodation, but the lack of clarity is unsettling.
The disruption extends beyond travel plans. The Dubai Government media office has reported four injuries resulting from a fire at the Fairmont Hotel in the Jumeirah Palm Beach area, as well as minor damage to the exterior of the Burj Khalifa. Incidents of falling debris from intercepted drones or missiles have also been reported at Jebel Ali Port and in residential areas. A terminal building at Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage on , with reports of a second strike at the airport surfacing on .
Despite the escalating situation, the Super Saturday card at Meydan proceeded as planned, with Sheikh Mohammed’s presence offering a degree of reassurance. Even though, the Emirates Racing Authority has postponed its scheduled card at Jebel Ali on until , and the course is next scheduled to race on .
The future of the Bahrain Turf Club’s King’s Cup fixture, scheduled for and , remains uncertain, with no official announcement yet made regarding its status.
The UAE’s air defenses have reportedly intercepted a significant number of incoming projectiles – 137 missiles and 209 drones – highlighting the intensity of the conflict. Shoemark described hearing explosions throughout the night and again the following morning, stating, “It’s very clear.”
Shoemark expressed a sense of relative safety within Dubai, noting, “I feel like we’re probably in the safest place in the Gulf.” The uncertainty, however, remains palpable. “I’m hearing that nothing is going to change for two to three days, and we’ve just been advised to sit tight,” he said. “My apartment has been extended for as long as I need it. There are just a lot of unknowns here right now.”
The situation underscores the vulnerability of international sporting events to geopolitical instability. While racing officials are working to mitigate the disruption, the ongoing conflict poses a significant challenge to the smooth operation of the sport in the Gulf region, and beyond. The immediate priority remains the safety and well-being of those stranded, and a swift resolution to the airspace closures is crucial to minimizing further disruption.