Tapeta selected for Dubai Racing Club Meydan training surface

The landmark horseracing development, which will officially open for the 2010 Dubai World Cup, has plans to develop an 1800m training track.

CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, Mr Frank Gabriel Jr said: "Safety of the animal was paramount in our selection and experience points to synthetic training and racing tracks reducing the number of injuries and prolonging the careers of the racehorse.

"We looked at all of the all weather surfaces around the world and while we recognized that each is very beneficial to the horse we decided to go with Tapeta. We believe it is the best choice for our environment and racing programme."

Michael Dickinson, who conceived the Tapeta surface, said: "Obviously we are delighted. It is a huge honour for Tapeta and we are very proud that we will be a small part in the most innovative and creative project racing has ever seen.

"We believe that the Tapeta surface will provide international horses and trainers a seamless transition from any other type of training or racing surface."

Tapeta (Latin for carpet) is specially designed first and foremost to protect the horse's well-being, providing a cushion that protects the legs and feet of horses in training from the injuries common on industry-standard dirt surfaces.

The patented wax-coated mixture of sand, rubber and fiber is impervious to weather, and has been tested over time to hold up under varied and severe weather conditions.