Qatar airlifts throughbreds to Belgian refuge amid Iran conflict

Qatar transported 75 competition horses and their grooms for safe refuge in Belgium after cancellation of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Doha due to the Iran conflict.

Another 63 horses are scheduled to make the crossing from Qatar to the “Horse Inn” in Liege, Belgium, this week, Equnews reports.

The Belgian facility is a hub for moving high-value sport horses for the Olympics and major tournaments, often in response to geopolitical crises.

Meanwhile, leading European trainers and owners say they will delay decisions on sending horses to the $30 million Dubai World Cup meeting, watching security developments in the Middle East before committing runners to the March 28 event, TDN reports.