SYDNEY - The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that has halted racing in England will not thwart Sunline's Dubai campaign, say the New Zealand mare's connections.
Horses are not susceptible to foot-and-mouth which affects cattle, sheep and pigs but, like humans, can spread the disease, carrying it on their hides and hooves.
Because of strict quarantine procedures, the participation of British horses in Dubai's World Cup meeting on March 24 is unlikely.
Speculation Sunline's Dubai trip could also be in danger was dismissed by co-trainer Stephen McKee and the horse will contest the $US2 million ($4.7 million) Dubai Duty Free (1777m) on March 24.
"There is no concern for us as long as it doesn't affect us going in and out of Dubai," McKee told the Daily Telegraph in Sydney.
Australian multiple group one winner Testa Rossa hasn't been so lucky. The disease has forced his connections to cancel a trip to England.
Sunline arrived in Sydney on Tuesday night to prepare for the group two $A150,000 weight-for-age Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm tomorrow.
Chris Burke of International Racehorse Transport has arranged Sunline's Dubai travel schedule and said the British outbreak should not cause any change to the mare's flight arrangements.
After tomorrow's race she is to return to New Zealand the following day and spend a week there before flying out to Dubai, via a stopover in Singapore.
"In Dubai she is put into isolation with Australian and New Zealand horses," Burke said.
"Fortunately, under the temporary import protocol, a horse like Sunline can then fly out of Dubai immediately after the race."
The outbreak has helped McKee confirm that Sunline will not go to England this year.
"We had basically canned going to England anyway. The options are to go to Dubai and bring her home or, from Dubai, to consider going to America."
- NZPA
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