New dirt surface unveiled at Meydan Racecourse

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SportsNetwork.com) - Thursday marks the official debut of a new dirt racing surface at Meydan Racecourse.

Home of the $10 million Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse begins its first meeting of the 2014-15 racing season Thursday and introduction of its newly- installed dirt track.

"We were very pleased with tonight's trials," observed Frank Gabriel, Dubai Racing Club Executive Director - Racing, following Tuesday night's trial run. "The feedback from trainers and jockeys has been positive and we are excited about the new season.

"This is an important season for us as we will stage the 20th running of the Dubai World Cup and we look forward to welcoming top international horses to compete on the surface during the Dubai World Cup Carnival and on Dubai World Cup day."

The world's richest thoroughbred race will be conducted in 2015 on Saturday, March 28.

Thursday's card has six races and is the first of 19 racedays

"I was ecstatic to hear of the return to dirt," said trainer Doug Watson, won both the trial races at Meydan on Tuesday. "It seems to ride really well and we have horses in the yard who should suit this surface."

Jockey Richard Mullen was impressed with the new dirt track at Meydan.

"The trial went very well," he said. "There didn't seem to be much kick back at all. If you were behind horses at Nad Al Sheba you would certainly know about it, but there was much less of that today. The track rode a little slow but that is to be expected for a new track and we will see it quicken up with some watering and racing."