A Luxury Horse Racing Venue
There can be little doubt that Meydan Racecourse is a luxury race track. It should not come as a surprise to racing fans that no expense was spared in its construction. The leader of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is known around the world for his love of horse racing. The ruler was instrumental in visualizing Meydan Racecourse and what it could be. The track is nothing less than his personal vision.
The site of the track was originally occupied by Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. This, too, was a spectacular racetrack. It pales in comparison with its successor. In 2010, Meydan was opened on the site of the old track. It included numerous amenities and improvements. The entire facility cost more than $7 million dollars to build.
The Meydan Racecourse has two tracks, a traditional dirt course and a turf course. Unlike tracks in America, the turf course at Meydan is on the outside of the dirt track and measures 2400 meters. The dirt track has a distance of 1750 meters and there is also a very long straightaway for sprint races. From November through March the track is in operation, contesting most of its races at night. The premiere events hosted by this racecourse include the Dubai Racing Carnival and Winter Racing Challenge.
The complex also serves as one of Dubai’s major entertainment venues when it is not being used for racing. It has hosted concerts by many famous musical artists including Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Sia.
A big priority was given to the comfort of guests who want to visit the horse races in Dubai. The centerpiece of this is a massive grandstand which would make two of any similar grandstand in America. The grandstand area also includes a hotel, many world class restaurants, and a museum which celebrates the history of thoroughbred racing and its three original Arabian sires. It is an environment especially suited to those individuals who love to appreciate the finer things of the sport.
The Meydan is the name of a luxury hotel which sits trackside. This 5-star hotel and resort is the only one of its kind to be found in racing. It has 285 rooms and is often occupied by visiting dignitaries. During the Dubai Racing Carnival it is not uncommon to see many famous owners, trainers, and jockeys staying at this beautiful hotel. There is also the Meydan Marina and corporate suites which are used throughout the year by many of the world’s top business figures.
A Large Complex Devoted to Horse Racing
More than 67 million square feet are occupied by the Meydan Racecourse District. It is merely one district of Meydan which also includes Meydan Metropolis, Meydan Horizons, and Meydan Godolphin Parks. The fan of EZ Horse Betting will recognize the name Godolphin as that of the racing stable owned by Sheikh Mohammed. One could argue that none of the Meydan complex would be possible if it were not for the venerable leader of Dubai.
One of the things that truly makes Meydan Racecourse unique is that it celebrates the entire history of horse racing and attempts to preserve the elegance that racing is known for. In America, some race tracks seem to have forgotten this and are driven solely by profit. The involvement of major casino companies in American horse racing has seen racing subjugated by slot machines and other forms of gambling.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Meydan Racecourse, be prepared to see a large crowd in attendance. You will also note that they mostly adhere to a dress code that is reflective of how things used to be in the United States. In Dubai, horse racing is an event to be appreciated.
Did you know that you don’t have to visit Dubai in order to watch and wager on races at Meydan Racecourse? You can make bets from home when you create an account with a racebook recommended by EZ Horse Betting. It only takes a few moments to sign up for your account and you can wager from your computer, phone, or tablet. You’ll even get a nice bonus just for signing up. Check our Bovada racebook review, Twinspires review or even our Betamerica review. All great choice if you are in the US. 5Dimes review for folks anywhere!
