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Marmoom - A Training Oasis For Future Champions

J A McGrath
Dawn in the desert. The freshness of a clear morning in March marks a dramatic change from the hustle-bustle of downtown Dubai. Cloudless skies precede a sudden thermostat conversion; tranquility has overwhelmed the senses.

Dawn in the desert. The freshness of a clear morning in March marks a dramatic change from the hustle-bustle of downtown Dubai. Cloudless skies precede a sudden thermostat conversion; tranquility has overwhelmed the senses.

This is Marmoom, an equine training oasis, inconspicuous to passers-by, tucked away on the outer perimeter of an ever-expanding metropolis. In the global context of training tracks, it is as lavish as it is functional.

Two decades ago, when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced plans to transfer a squad of his Europe-based horses to the United Arab Emirates in Winter, it was universally agreed by 'experts' that the exercise was doomed to fail.

But, these days, with Al Quoz Stables continuing as a thriving city training complex for Godolphin - ever more Business Bay skyscrapers form a unique backdrop - and Marmoom functioning as its desert-styled alternative, it is now agreed that horses can be trained to the highest standard in Dubai.

In the build-up to Dubai World Cup night, Godolphin's American trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has stabled his team at Marmoom. Because of quarantine regulations, his group, headed by crack four-year-old Frosted, are in a different barn to the 15 prepared by Charlie Appleby, the UK trainer.

It is a 40-minute drive from Dubai city to Marmoom, with a collection of stables for specialist endurance horses situated nearby.

Once inside the gates of Marmoom, the discovery of this impressive training set-up becomes all the more amazing.

A beautifully maintained dirt training track looms large. Nine furlongs in circumference, it is as good as some of the best in America. Remnants of the old, popular, Nad Al Sheba abound. The track consists of the surface from the old racecourse, and there is also a magnificent turf track, as well.

Appleby says that Marmoom provides facilities as good as anywhere. "I find it brilliant for getting our horses fit and ready for their races," Appleby said.

"We have a relatively small team this year, but they are thriving here. Tryster is our star, and although he never does much in his work on the track, he is in the right mind-set to carry off a big one on the night.

"He will go for the G1 Dubai Turf, and although Solow will be a tough nut to crack, I think ours will run well, just the same," the trainer added.

"If Tryster does pull it off, it will be another boost for Marmoom," Appleby said.

Marmoom - A Training Oasis