Meydan update

[my miss storm cat]

RP...

Dubai's new racecourse right on track

by Howard Wright at the annual International Federation of Horseracing Authorities conference in Paris
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ON time, and on budget – whatever it costs: that was the progress report on Meydan, Dubai's fabulous new racecourse, from Emirates Racing Authority chief executive and project overlord Frank Gabriel.

Revealed in stunning fashion during the World Cup meeting only a little over six months ago, Meydan is already taking shape, and individual contractors were on site the day after being awarded deals for piling and construction of the 80,000 capacity grandstand and five-star hotel.

Each of the 400 hotel suites will have an unobstructed view of the race track, and at the other end of the stand a boathouse and marina will connect to other on-site residential and leisure developments.

Gabriel said: “Since the launch, the Meydan team has been travelling at light speed, because we are on a fast track. We are targeting the 15th World Cup in 2010, but the contractors have been given until November 2009 to have it ready for the hand-over.”