Nad Al Sheba Racecourse
The Track
The Nad Al Sheba racecourse features two tracks – a grass track and a dirt track.
Nad Al Sheba turf track
Direction: left handed
Circumference: 2121 metres
Width: 20 metres
It has three chutes to accommodate starting points for races scheduled over 2000 metres, 1600 metres and 1200 metres.
The grass is a Bermuda hybrid and is planted in local sand termed "sweet soil". The grass is kept at 6 inches during the racing season and is over-sown with rye in the autumn. It rides consistently good.
Nad Al Sheba dirt track
Direction: left handed
Circumference: 2254 metres
Width: 20 metres
It has three chutes to accommodate starting points for races scheduled over 2000 metres, 1600 metres and 1200 metres.
The surface is comprised of a mixture of fine dune sand, silt and clay and 3 inches of cushion are harrowed up daily for training and racing alike. It is routinely harrowed, watered and graded to ensure the going remains constant.
History
The Nad Al Sheba track was laid down in 1986 following instructions by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE. Construction of the original Maktoum Grandstand followed two years later, with expansion and refurbishment in 1993, 1999 and again in 2000. The futuristic Millennium Grandstand, described as the best of its kind, offering unparalleled viewing and hospitality facilities was opened on Dubai World Cup day 2001.
The first racing meeting was staged in 1992.
