DUBAI, UAE – Dozens of jockeys and trainers are stranded in the Gulf region following a recent escalation of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has led to widespread airspace closures and disruptions to air travel. The situation has left many racing professionals, including some of the sport’s biggest names, facing an uncertain wait to return home, particularly with the Cheltenham Festival looming next week.
Among those affected are prominent jockeys Ryan Moore, Oisin Murphy, and Stephane Pasquier, who were in Dubai for the Super Saturday meeting at Meydan Racecourse on February 28th. They joined a contingent of riders already based in the United Arab Emirates for the winter racing season. The disruption extends beyond jockeys, with numerous trainers and stable staff also caught up in the travel chaos. The immediate concern centers on Dubai International Airport, which sustained damage during recent attacks, further complicating efforts to resume normal flight operations.
Airport Damage and Flight Suspensions
Emirates Airlines has suspended all flights to and from Dubai International Airport until at least 3 p.m. Local time on March 2nd, but officials acknowledge the suspension could last considerably longer given the evolving security situation. Kieran Shoemark, a jockey who has been based in Dubai for two months, was scheduled to return home on Sunday but found his plans abruptly halted. “The airport is shut, and there’s just so much uncertainty,” Shoemark said, as reported by BloodHorse. “I don’t think anyone really knows what’s going to happen.”
Shoemark added that he has been fortunate enough to have his apartment extended, providing him with accommodation while he waits for travel to resume. But, the uncertainty is weighing heavily on those stranded. Reports indicate minor damage to a terminal building at Dubai International on Saturday, with further, unconfirmed reports of a second strike at the airport on March 1st. The UAE Defence Ministry has stated that its air defenses intercepted 137 missiles and 209 drones, suggesting a significant level of aerial activity in the region.
Impact on Racing Schedules
The disruption is already impacting the racing calendar. While the Super Saturday card at Meydan went ahead as planned, the Emirates Racing Authority has postponed its March 1st card at Jebel Ali until March 15th. Racing at Jebel Ali is next scheduled for March 8th. The status of the Bahrain Turf Club’s King’s Cup fixture, scheduled for March 5th and 6th, remains uncertain, with no official announcement yet made regarding its postponement or cancellation.
The situation is particularly concerning for Irish jockey Colin Keane, a six-time champion on the flat, who was in Dubai to ride Gerry Keane’s Crystal Black in the Group Two Singspiel Stakes. Keane had planned to return to Ireland to compete in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival next Wednesday, hoping to emulate Jamie Spencer’s 2007 victory in the same race. The Irish Mirror reports that Keane initially believed the explosions he heard were an earthquake. His father, Gerry Keane, expressed concern, stating that Colin was hoping to partner The Mourne Rambler at Cheltenham.
A Sense of Unease, but Reassurance from Leadership
Despite the unsettling circumstances, Shoemark expressed a degree of reassurance, noting the presence of Sheikh Mohammed at the Meydan racecourse on Saturday night. “I feel like we’re probably in the safest place in the Gulf, and Sheikh Mohammed’s presence at the racecourse last night was somewhat reassuring,” he said. However, the sounds of intercepted missiles and drones have become commonplace, with Shoemark describing hearing explosions “through the night, and again this morning.”
Beyond the racing community, the broader impact of the conflict is being felt in Dubai. The Dubai Government media office has confirmed 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.
The situation remains fluid, and the immediate priority is the safety and well-being of those stranded in the region. As of Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, the focus remains on monitoring developments and awaiting a resumption of flight operations, allowing jockeys, trainers, and other racing professionals to return home and continue their preparations for upcoming events, including the prestigious Cheltenham Festival.
Updates regarding flight schedules and travel advisories can be found on the Emirates Airlines website and through official government channels in the UAE. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
If you are feeling anxious or distressed about the events unfolding in the Gulf region, resources are available to aid. You can reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
