Dubai: Top jockeys like Frankie Dettori, Kieren Fallon and Richard Hills were unanimous in their praise for the new Meydan race track following the first trial race night held at the racecourse on Tuesday.
With His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in attendance, a series of trial races was held on the venue's Tapeta racing surface in the build-up to the Dubai International Racing Carnival (DIRC) beginning on January 28.
Shaikh Mohammad toured the paddock, grandstand and jockey's changing rooms.
Consisting of four races commencing at 6pm, the trial saw 44 horses with a total of 16 jockeys racing over distances of 1,200 to 2,000 metres.
Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan Saeed Humaid Al Tayer said: "We've seen some of the world's finest talents in horse racing 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, Jr 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 on the 28th of January."
Joinging Dettori, Fallon and Hills were seven-time UAE champion Ted Durcan, Pat Smullen and South Africa's Kevin Shea who were among the first to ride at Meydan. Dettori spoke of his experience between the races: "I'm gob-smacked after what I've seen, and I just can't find the words to describe the amazing experience of racing at the Meydan Racecourse, it's just out of this world.
"The tracks are great and very even, and the lights are beautiful. I absolutely loved it."
Fallon comment: "Meydan Racecourse 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! It was really a joy to ride on this track and I really loved it.
"Santa Anita has one of my favourite tracks in the world, and this track is probably every bit just as good, if not better. It couldn't be better. To just get out there on the turf now would be really exciting."
Durcan added: "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".
Thrilled with his experience and looking forward to the start of the Carnival, Hills said: "I think the track rode very well and the saddling area looks in good condition.
"Full marks on everything!"
