Trainers, jockeys and owners, stranded in Dubai and different parts of the Gulf

Given the escalation of bombings by Iran in the area, the airport was closed and would only reopen this Tuesday, if there is a ceasefire...

Super Saturday at Meydan was held normally, despite the bombings / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).- The escalation of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran generated an immediate effect in the Gulf and also hit the world of horse racing. Dozens of jockeys and trainers are currently stranded in the region following the closure of large areas of airspace and the suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport, which suffered minor damage following the Iranian attacks.

Among the professionals who had traveled for the Super Saturday card at Meydan are top-tier names such as Ryan Moore, Oisin Murphy, and Stephane Pasquier, in addition to riders with longer stays in the United Arab Emirates.

One of them is Kieran Shoemark, who had been in Dubai for 2 months and was due to return to Europe after finishing his contract. “My flight was this morning, but the airport is closed. There is a lot of uncertainty and nobody knows what is going to happen,” he explained after piloting Fort George (Territories) to second place behind Rebel’s Romance(Dubawi) in the Dubai City of Gold (G2).

Emirates Airlines announced the suspension of all flights to and from Dubai until at least 3:00 p.m. on March 3 (local time), although the continuity of operations will depend on the evolution of the regional situation. “We have been told to wait. My apartment was extended for as long as necessary. There are too many unknowns,” Shoemark added.

Authorities confirmed minor damage to an airport terminal and the exterior of the Burj Khalifa, in addition to 4 [injuries] following a fire at the Fairmont Hotel in Palm Jumeirah. The Ministry of Defense reported that air defenses intercepted 137 missiles and 209 drones.

While residents get used to the nightly sound of interceptions, racing activity attempts to maintain a certain normalcy. Super Saturday was held as scheduled, although the Emirates Racing Authority postponed the March 1 meeting at Jebel Ali to the 15th. There is also no official confirmation regarding the holding of the King’s Cup in Bahrain.

“We heard explosions all night. But honestly, I feel like we are in one of the safest places in the Gulf. Sheikh Mohammed's presence at the racecourse was reassuring,” Shoemark concluded.

Horse racing, accustomed to sporting challenges, now faces a very different scenario: the wait.