Winner Returns Home
Dubai, U.A.E. and New York, USA – Dubai World Cup 2016 winner and North American thoroughbred racehorse, California Chrome returned home to Chicago, Illinois from Dubai on Thursday, March 31st by way of Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9987 operated by one of the carrier’s dedicated freighters, a Boeing 777-F aircraft. California Chrome first arrived in Dubai via Emirates SkyCargo in January 2016 to begin training for the world renowned race.
California Chrome took to the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday, March 26 where he and jockey Victor Espinoza claimed the winning prize of $6 million (USD), making California Chrome the highest-earning thoroughbred in North America.
The transportation of a thoroughbred requires detailed attention and care. Emirates SkyCargo has designed a transportation environment to ensure animal welfare, while complying with all the codes of practice set by national and international authorities, including IATA Live Animals regulations and requirements.
“Combining exceptional logistical arrangements with state-of-the-art facilities on the ground and in the air, our aim is always to create an environment of trust, quality and comfort for the race horses we transport,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo. “Our dedicated freighter facilities at SkyCentral in Dubai World Central include carefully designed, peaceful and hygienic suites with expert care provided upon 'checking in'.”
“When transporting a thoroughbred like California Chrome, it is essential that every aspect of care is given to provide a calm and comfortable environment to ensure that the horse is in the best condition possible. That is why we have worked with Emirates SkyCargo as our air transportation partner as they have high quality facilities to take care of the horses before and during the flight,” said Martin Atock of Janah Management Company Ltd, the world’s largest international shipper of thoroughbred horses.
To guarantee that the transportation experience is safe and has minimal stress for animals and their owners, Emirates SkyCargo ensures that the air transportation is setup for the comfort, safety and security of the animals throughout the journey. Emirates SkyCargo also provides specially designed horse stalls and has trained and experienced expert personnel to ensure that every request received is given the highest level of attention available.
Emirates SkyCargo is the largest international airline cargo operator in the world. Its route network connects cargo customers to 150 cities on six continents, including 27 gateways in Africa, 16 in the Middle East, and in 18 in the Far East. Cargo hold capacity comprises Emirates’ fleet of more than 240 aircraft, including 15 freighters – 13 Boeing 777-Fs and two B747-400ERFs.
With an established reputation for the highest standards of product quality in supporting business logistics, the air cargo leader achieves customer satisfaction through innovation, flexibility and the constant refinement of service levels. It has received numerous industry accolades with the most recent ones being the Air Cargo Excellence Awards in Berlin and International Air Cargo Carrier of the Year award in India in 2016.
