Endurance race horses from Ukraine arrive in UK by An-12

Endurance horses arrived at Cambridge Airport in the UK on an Antonov An-12 freighter.

It is the first time long distance endurance horses have arrived, bound for Newmarket racecourse, and on such a heavy aircraft.

The aircraft, which is owned by Ukranian company Meridian Airlines and chartered by chartered by Intradco, a bloodstock air transportation specialist, arrived from Nimes, France with eight horses and associated grooms.  

Archie Garden, airport director at Cambridge said: "We are delighted to see charter specialists recognise Cambridge as an entry point for bloodstock from Europe. Our generous runway length of 1,965m/6447ft can support these heavy machines, and our ground staff are familiar with handling these very specific types of charters, so we are well positioned to take care of the unique charter requirements." 

The airport plans to implement the Pet Passport scheme to receive domestic pets.