Action aplenty graces Meydan

Well, it lived up to all its billing, and quite possibly beyond! The world turned up to see Meydan, and Meydan was keen to show off to the world. Both seemed happy with their efforts.

The general consensus was realistic. There may still be a few tweaks to iron out, but on the whole there were very few complaints. I did not hear any negativity towards the newest racecourse on the globe, except for confusion as to where the main entrance and car park were.

The action on the racing front was absolutely fantastic and at the end of the night it was pretty conclusive that there was no draw or position advantage. Winners came from behind, out front and high or low draws.

I know there were a few concerns that the surface was riding a little deep, but as time goes on, I'm sure it will firm up a little and provide perfect underfoot conditions. It couldn't have ridden that slow, there were seven track records on the night!

I was mightily impressed with Whispering Gallery. In only his fifth start, Saeed Bin Surour's new inmate looks very promising and capable of stepping up in class.

Bumper entry

Dubai Racing Club received a record number of World Cup night entries earlier in the week with 1,951 horses nominated at this early stage.

Of those, 288 were for the World Cup itself which this year looks to be the most competitive yet. Japan have a strong hand and entered the consistent Vodka who has previously competed in the Dubai Duty Free, while rising stars, Buena Vista and Success Brocken, could also represent the country that cheered home Hearts Cry in the 2006 Sheema Classic.

The new Al Quoz Sprint (a Group one in all but name) has attracted a very talented group of potential starters. 202 thoroughbreds have been entered for the 1,200m turf race from 16 countries. All Silent and Black Caviar look the pick of the 15 entrants from Australia.

Nic off the old block

There's a horse climbing up the ranks quickly in Australia and being a half brother to Nicanor, you would expect that to be the case.

In fact, the lad who looks after Nicconi, Ryan Kellam, has always been keen to tell anybody who will listen what a great horse he is and his words have proven wise.

The son of Bianconi (not the horse that used to race here) won the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday and considering four winners have gone on to Royal Ascot success, trainer David Hayes is hoping this animal can follow in the hoofprints of Choisir, Takeover Target and Scenic Blast.

Track view

A big thank you to Richie Mullen and Daragh O'Donohoe for giving Dubai Racing Channel viewers a chance to take a closer look at the Tapeta track at Meydan.

The video of the "race" between the two has made it to the US and UK and proved that pride often does come before a fall, although I wouldn't mind seeing the head-on!