How Do They Transport Horses For The Kentucky Derby?

Horses are loaded into portable stalls and then up cargo pallet loaders and into the massive cargo bays on freighter aircraft, like the one pictured below on an Emirates Boeing 777F, the cargo version of the twinjet that plies many of the world’s long-haul routes.

How are horses transported to the Kentucky Derby?

They travel through special cargo planes. Usually, the racing horses are put in stalls on the ground. These stalls have divisions and can permit up to three horses at once.

How are race horses transported by air?

Generally speaking, horses are transported on what is called “main-deck freighter aircraft.” This type of aircraft is often configured exclusively for cargo but can include a mixture of passenger and cargo space. “Unit load containers,” or pallets, are used to ship the horses in the cargo space of these aircraft.

How much does it cost to put a horse on a plane?

On average, however, hiring a professional equine transport company will cost between $0.75/mile and $3/mile. International transport by air for your horse will cost somewhere between $2,000 and $10,000 for a one-way flight.

Do they fly horses on planes?

Horses cannot travel in the usual planes that you and I would travel in – they have to travel in cargo planes, and not all cargo planes can carry horses – so moving from A to B is not as simple as it is for humans.

How much does an owner pay to enter a horse in the Kentucky Derby?

The largest number of nominees to the Triple Crown was 460 in 2007 and 2008. Before 1986, the largest number of Kentucky Derby nominees was 432 in 1981; the smallest, 32, in 1913. The early nomination fee has been $600 from the start. The late nomination has been $6,000 since 1994.

Why do Kentucky Derby horses walk out with another horse?

Racehorses have another horse with them before the race to help them stay calm, and as relaxed as possible before the race. Having a companion helps the racehorse focus on the race and not the crowd. The accompanying horse is called a pony horse and is a vital member of the horse racing community.

Are horses sedated for air travel?

Despite what some might think, most competition horses are very good flyers – some even nap on the flight! However, horses are not sedated as they need to remain alert enough to balance on all fours.

Is air travel stressful for horses?

While some horses adapt well to transport, others do not, and being moved from one place to another can be highly stressful for them, whether they travel by air or by road.

Do horses travel by plane or boat?

Race horses often span the globe to attend the world’s biggest events, while stallions and other precious horses regularly shuttle between different bases. It’s a far cry from the days of long voyages by ship, and is carried out in state-of-the-art cargo planes with the highest level of welfare and medical attention.

Do you tip a horse transporter?

“They are there to work, offer good service, and receive tips, so we don’t think any differently about who helps get us to the pen,” she says. Tips are a financial expense that should be included in your horse show budget; but if you find that money is tight, consider alternatives.

Is it cheaper to board a horse or keep it at home?

If you have the space and facility to keep your equines at home, it’s more cost effective and offers a number of advantages that boarding does not.

Where do horses go on planes?

Once loaded onto the container, the horses are lifted into the cargo section of the plane. They tend to fly on a Boeing 747, and each horse would have a dedicated flying groom who are well versed in veterinary care should anything go astray during the flight.

How many horses fit on a 747?

Cargolux states that its largest aircraft, the Boeing 747-800 freighter, can carry a maximum of 90 horses, loaded three per pallet across 30 pallets, and its 747-400 freighter can handle 84 horses.

Do horses sleep standing up?

Horses have an amazing ability to be able to sleep standing up. But they do also sleep lying down. If you’re a horse, you need to be able to do both. It’s one of the mistakes lots of people make about horses.

What airlines ship horses?

Fed Ex, UPS and large commercial airlines ship horses and other animals as cargo, but Tex Sutton — as the company is commonly known — began ferrying Kentucky Derby winners and other prized horses by air in 1969 and remains the only U.S.-based horse transportation company that uses a dedicated aircraft to do so.

How much money does a jockey get for winning Kentucky Derby?

2022 Kentucky Derby Prize Money
Here’s what you need to know about the @KentuckyDerby post positions. Meanwhile, the winning jockey who successfully crosses the finish line first will receive 10% of the winner’s purse — which equates to a $186,000 payday before taxes and other payments.

How much does a horse jockey make in the Kentucky Derby?

The winning jockey at the Kentucky Derby gets $186,000, before fees and taxes. The top prize at the Kentucky Derby currently stands at $1.86 million. The runner-up gets $600,000, third place gets $300,000, fourth place gets $150,000, and fifth place gets $90,000.

How much is a starting gate suite at the Kentucky Derby?

Kentucky Derby Suite Prices
At Churchill Downs, Turf/Infield Suites will typically range from $3,500 – $5,000 per ticket. Turf Club tickets will range from $4,000 – $6,500 per ticket.

Why do they pour water on horses after a race?

Washed Down. Racing is incredibly intense exercise, so a proper cool down involving being hosed off is needed to stop the horse from becoming ill. Washing down usually involves using a horse shower to wash off all of the sweat and lose hair, and helps to prevent overheating.

Why do they put goats with race horses?

Similar to a barn pony, miniature animals like donkeys and goats can assist with a racehorse’s restlessness before the race. Analogous to an emotional support canine, goats are a racehorse’s right hand, calming presence and, frankly, their best friend.