Michael Dickinson has defended the Tapeta surface used at Dubai’s Meydan racecourse after it suffered some high-profile criticism.
Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the brother of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, said in an interview with Gulf News that the synthetic surface was inconsistent.
But former trainer Dickinson, who developed the surface used for the World Cup meeting, said he believed it was a track which suited all horses.
“I have been very happy with the performance of the Tapeta track,” Dickinson said.
“All the races have been fair and on a level playing field.
“Above all it was safe, and all the horses appear to have come home safe and sound.
“The winners have come from all corners of the globe, from Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Ireland, England and Hong Kong
“The Golden Shaheen was six furlongs (1200m) run in 1 minute 10 seconds which is what you would expect from horse of that calibre.
“All the jockeys and trainers I’ve spoken to have been happy with the track.
“It’s a world-class track for world-class performers.
“Hong Kong trainer John Moore was thrilled with the surface and his jockey Joao Moreira said it was fabulous.”
Tapeta is a wax-coated mixture of sand, rubber and fibre that does not deteriorate in wet conditions.
