It was a surprise when it was announced on Thursday that Frank Gabriel would return to Meydan.
The former chief executive of the Dubai Racing Club left the UAE after nine years at the helm following World Cup night in March to take up the post as racing secretary at Belmont Park and Saratoga.
Gabriel told the Daily Racing Form that Dubai holds a “special place” for him and his wife, Christine. He added that he missed the “wonderful environment and relationships he had at Meydan”.
According to the paper, Gabriel will take over as vice-president of racing at the Dubai Racing Club.
From the track work superintendents to trainers and jockeys around the world, Gabriel is universally admired as a tireless worker who gets things done.
Since he left, the Tapeta surface at Meydan has been ripped up, with the announcement of the work first sent around the world via social media.
Former Meydan track superintendent Javier Barajas is now, ironically, overseeing Keeneland’s move from an artificial surface to dirt.
It is understood that applications for the vacant position of chief executive are now closed, but Gabriel’s appointment could well supersede those.
Whatever the situation is at the Dubai Racing Club, the return of Gabriel’s calm hand on the tiller, in any capacity, is welcome.
sports@thenational.ae
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