Meydan loses turf races on opening night
TURF racing has been scrapped on the opening night of Dubai's new billion-dollar racecourse Meydan on January 28, and the schedule of races on grass before World Cup night has been reduced from 23 to 14.
No formal announcement has been made but Dubai Racing Club warned in the Racing Post late last month that "some minor adjustments" would be made to the programme.
Meydan: course opens January 28
It is understood the alterations have been made to avoid wear and tear on the newly-grown turf track, which is a 1m4f oval and has been laid on the outside of the Tapeta artificial surface.
Part of the turf course chute was visible during the running of last year's World Cup meeting, but the main circuit, for which turf was grown off site, was laid in September.
However, remedial work had to be carried out the following month after constructors' vehicles left the site and track staff were allowed a clear run.
As well as the opening night, February 18 is also a blank for turf racing, while only one race will be run on grass the following day.
Five other carnival fixtures will feature two turf races, before three are staged at the Meydan Masters meeting on Friday, March 5, the last day of the six-week festival. World Cup night, featuring three turf races, is on Saturday, March 27.
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