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Some want to start because they have already invested in the land and there are some who are not looking to start just yet. It’s a phased development like Dubai Marina, which took almost 10 years to be fully ready.”
Another issue that has accounted for some of those news pages that Dubai has dominated over the past few weeks is that of non-payment with Chinese firms. Far-eastern firms played significant roles in the completion of Meydan grandstand and Al-Tayer claims that those relationships remain strong.
“The Chinese contribution to this project was immense – from the curtain wall, to work on the Falcon car park to the principle construction carried out by China State Construction. Chinese companies provided between 45% and 50% of construction supplies for the grandstand and racecourse.
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“However, many of the other suppliers and JVs are based locally and 20 to 30% of components, fixtures, fittings, interiors and carpets came from national companies.”
The message is clear: the developers and all involved with Meydan City are determined to provide not only a top class racing venue but, in fact, a top class development.
“You’ve seen what has been accomplished in 18 months,” finishes Al-Tayer. “We’re now going to hold a racing season with the kind of facilities that we’ve never had in 14 years of racing.”
Building the tracks
Meydan will boast two new racetracks, a 2400m turf track and a 1750m all-weather track – replacing the previous dirt track – as well as high quality turf and all-weather training tracks.
The turf track consists of Bermuda grass (over-sown with rye) on top of two layers of sweet soil root zone, a red sand tapered drainage layer and a bed on natural subgrade soil.
The all-weather track is based on a dedicated system called Tapeta. “The Tapeta surface has proven to be a safe and reliable, and has shown outstanding durability in this climate, says Dubai Racing Club’s Frank Gabriel Jr.
“It provides drainage and great cushioning for horses, aiding their longevity. The top layer is made from a mix of fibre, rubber, sand and wax.”
Turf:
• Left handed
• 2400m oval
• Chutes of 1200m and 2000m
• 30m wide
• 5% banking on turns
• 1.5% banking on straights
• Final turn to finish 450m
All weather:
• Left handed
• 1750m oval
• Chutes of 1500m and 1600m
• 25m wide
• 6% banking on turns
• 1% banking on straight
• Final turn to finish line 400m
The 2010 Dubai racing season
“There will be nine race nights, including three double-headers,” explains Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr. “Thanks to the new racetracks, both the Dubai World Cup and the Sheema Classic can start and finish in front of the grandstand, creating incredible anticipation and energy.”
Jan 28 – Dubai International Racing Carnival (First meet)
Feb 4 & 5 - Dubai International Racing Carnival
Feb 11 - Dubai International Racing Carnival
Feb 18 & 19 - Dubai International Racing Carnival
Feb 25 - Dubai International Racing Carnival
March 4 & 5 - Dubai International Racing Carnival (Super Thursday and Meydan Masters)
March 27 – Dubai World Cup and official launch of Meydan grandstand and racecourse
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