Yesterday we reported that all is not well with the turf course at Meydan, just over a week before the first meeting of the Dubai International Racing Carnival takes place next Thursday.

The rumour is that the turf track will not be used that night, and not as often as scheduled before the Dubai World Cup fixture on March 27th.  However, there appear to be no such problems with the Tapeta artificial surface on which the World Cup will be run.

That was given the seal of approval after a series of trial races on Tuesday night. As ever with anything major that happens in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed was on hand as four practice races took place under the floodlights of the multi-million pound venue.

The trail offered jockeys a first-hand tour of the track before the season gets under way with Godolphin’s No.1 jockey Frankie Dettori, joined by the likes of Kieren Fallon, Ted Durcan, Richard Hills, Pat Smullen, William Buick and Kevin Shea taking the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the course.

As part of the dress rehearsal starting stalls, silks and number cloths were all used to recreate how the facility would operate throughout a meeting but it was the Tapeta surface itself that was under the closest scrutiny and, based on the reactions of the riders taking part, it was a resounding success.   

 Dettori rode three Dubai World Cup winners at the now defunct Nad Al Sheba track and was very happy with the course that is its replacement. “I’m gob smacked after what I’ve seen,” he said “and I just can’t find the words to describe it. It’s just out of this world. The tracks are great and very even, and the lights are beautiful. I absolutely loved it.”

Fallon was another to deliver a vote of confidence when he said:  “It has a beautiful surface which is very well covered even as you’re coming round the bends, and I can’t wait to get on the grass.”  

He may have to be a little more patient for that but the former British champion’s enthusiasm was clear to see.  “It was really a joy to ride on this track and I really loved it,” he said. “Santa Anita has one of my favourite tracks in the world, and this track is probably every bit as good, if not better.”

Seven-time UAE champion Ted Durcan seemed to feel immediately at home and said:  “The layout of the track is super and the rides all went great. I think it’ll suit all horses and you have to be really enthusiastic about everything, I’m really impressed”.

Mike De Kock is another man who has made his name on the international scene through his successes in Dubai and the South African trainer was pleased with what he saw. “We’ve received really positive feedback from the jockeys that the surface is fantastic,” he said. “It was very good to have the trials as it was a good experience, especially to get a feel of the long walk from the barns and through the tunnels.”

For those who have been working towards the first meeting this was light at the end of the tunnel and Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer, chairman of the board and CEO of Meydan, said:  “We’ve seen some of the world’s finest talents in horseracing take to the tracks this evening, and we’re excited at the responses we’ve had to the conditions and facilities we’ve built. Feedback and suggestions from our partners in the industry is something we’ve always heeded and Meydan is a result of this collaborative effort. We are indeed excited to showcase it to the world when the races begin.”

Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Racing Club Frank G Gabriel, Jnr added, “We’re geared up for the start of the Dubai International Racing Carnival and want to thank all horsemen, staff, and everyone who’s been a partner to us for their support of Meydan and these trial races. We look forward to the opening of the tracks and racing facilities for the first meeting.”

One man who will be there is Doug Watson, the UAE champion trainer. “Everyone was really positive about their experience at the trials,” he said. “I haven’t been a big synthetic fan but have received very good feedback from the jockeys.

“All our horses ran and finished nicely, so now we’re just ready to race for the money.”

Paul Wheeler