The countdown is on ...

In just about 24 hours, the horses will go to post for the Emirates NBD Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-G3), the first of seven Thoroughbred races on the Dubai World Cup card, tomorrow at Meydan Racecourse.

In addition to the racing, the day's program will include a variety of performances at many of the entrances and on the apron by musicians and dancers, including fire and light shows, bubble dancers, stilt walkers, caricaturists, human statues, jugglers, unicyclists, flamenco dancers, jazz quartets, break dancers, belly dancers, and comedy acts.


The theme of this year's muti-sensory opening ceremony is "The Vision of Meydan," which will include a light show and images flashed across the largest projection screen in the world, measuring 6,725 square meters across. It also willl feature equine and falcon performances, and a massive pyrotechnics and fireworks display put on by the New York-based company that has been responsible for the past seven presidential inauguration and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.


A total of 750 performers will take place in the opening ceremonies with more than 500 more people behind the scenes working on the production.


Following the main event, the $10-million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) at 9:45 p.m. local time, Sir Elton John and Carlos Santana will play a concert on a huge stage set up in the infield across from the finish line beginning at 11 p.m.

"The launch of Meydan makes a monumental mark in history," said Dubai Racing Club Chairman Saeed Humaid al Tayer said. "To build the world's largest integrated racing facility is no mean feat and we are very proud to have been able to do it in a timeframe that typically would have taken twice as long for others, if not more.

"Meydan is the representation of the rich history, culture, and tradition of our people, born out of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bun Rashid al Maktoum."

Suddenly, I feel like a six-year-old on Christmas Eve.