8th October 2001
at Tullamarine Airport

Three impressive European gallopers jetted into Melbourne today in preparation for the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Caitano, Persian Punch and Silvano are all being aimed at rich races over the coming weeks including the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. For only the second time the precious cargo was carried by renowned airline Cathay Pacific. Punters should be aware that the only horse carried previously on a Cathay Pacific flight was Vintage Crop when he won in 1993. German entrants Caitano and Silvano had flown from Hamburg via Dubai to Hong Kong, where they met up with Persian Punch who had flown in from the United Kingdom. After another stop in Sydney the trio finally arrived in Melbourne after a gruelling flight. Representatives of the Melbourne Clubs and a media contingent were on hand to welcome the "invaders" to Australia.

PICTORIAL
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