The Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Najeeb Abdul Razzaq and over 100 officials toured the new Meydan racecourse facilities in Dubai. They were given a tour of the world's largest integrated racing facility, including the grandstand, racecourse, hotel, and corporate suites. The tour came just days before the first races of the Dubai International Racing Carnival were scheduled to begin on January 28th. The master planner of Meydan was a Malaysian firm called Teo A. Khing Design Consultants. Leading jockeys praised the new racing surface after successful trial races, noting the track was well-covered and an amazing experience to race on.

1. Malaysian prime minister tours Meydan facilities
Gulf News / www.zawya.com/ Wednesday,
Jan 20, 2010
Najib looking at an illustration of the Burj Khalifah in Dubai recently -Bernama
(Star online-25 Jan 2010)
Dubai Meydan hosted the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mohammad Najeeb Abdul Razzaq, and
officials from his office at the new Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse yesterday.
The 100-plus strong delegation was brought on an exclusive introduction and tour of the iconic
Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, the world's largest integrated racing facility. The guests
were given a first-hand experience of the world-class racing and hospitality facilities such as
The Meydan Hotel, Meydan Racecourse, Parade Ring and Grandstand Corporate Suites.
Meydan is days away from hosting its first races on January 28 with the start of the Dubai
International Racing Carnival.
Meydan's master planner and architect is a Malaysian firm, Teo A. Khing Design
Consultants.
Staff Report
© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved
TAK -dubai news-malaysian PM visit Meydan+pics-200110 Page 1

2. http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/big-thumbs-up-for-meydan-race-track-1.571215
Big thumbs up for Meydan race track
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and
Ruler of Dubai, attended the trial races at Meydan racecourse on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Saeed Al Tayer,
CEO of Meydan Racecourse, Board Director Ahmad Al Shaikh and officials.(GulfNews.com-26 Jan2010)
Leading jockeys full of praise for the racing surface after successful trial races at new facility
Staff Report
Published: January 21, 2010 /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.
TAK -dubai news-malaysian PM visit Meydan+pics-200110 Page 2

3. "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!"
Illustrations of Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse
(Roof of Grandstand)
( Master Plan)
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