TWO dirt trials were held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on Tuesday ahead of the opening race meeting on Thursday, 6 November.

The sand track has replaced the old Tapeta and will be in use at the 2015 International Racing Carnival.

Horses successfully galloped over 1400m and 1600m under race conditions. Following the trial, Dubai Racing Club Executive Director – Racing, Frank Gabriel said: “We were very pleased with tonight’s trials. 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.”

There are 19 race days to be contested before the season-ending Dubai World Cup day and the first of these is traditionally sponsored by long-time Meydan Pillar Partner, Emirates. The highlight of the six-race card is the Dh125,000 Emirates Airline Handicap over 1900m, for which eight have been declared, including the Doug Watson duo of Storm Belt and Henry Clay.

Here is an interview with Frank Gabriel,  who gave his views after the trials were completed. He talks about the make-up up the track, its degree of difficulty, maintenance issues going forward and the good entries from trainers expected for the forthcoming Carnival extravaganza.