Leading hope for £16million race involved in 'air rage' incident on flight

22 February 2024 , 16:34

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Derma Sotogake: was bitten on the flight from Japan (Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

One of the leading challengers for the richest prize in horse racing has been the victim of an ‘air rage’ incident.

Derma Sotogake is the third favourite for the £16million Saudi Cup in Riyadh on Saturday where he hopes to turn the tables on US rival White Abarrio, who he finished second to in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November.

The four-year-old is one of Japan’s best dirt horses who has already enjoyed international success by winning the UAE Derby last year.

That performance earned him a crack at the Kentucky Derby in which he finished a disappointing sixth.

However it emerged that the colt arrived in Riyadh with a swollen right eye following a disagreement on the flight over.

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Trainer Hidetaka Otonashi explained: “We didn’t see how it happened but his name plate was a little broken.

“There were two horses in the stall and I think they both fought. He was bitten by another horse during transportation and the right side of his face swelled.

“I was a little bit worried about that. We were concerned that he would have physical problem from the accident, which might have affected him racing.”"But he has been moving well, his face wasn't swollen this morning, and his eyes weren't affected.”

Jon Lees