Tonight the 2010 Dubai International Racing Carnival begins at its new home. And what a home.
Quite simply nothing has been seen before like Meydan.
Punters can prepare to be awestruck at what has been built in a little under three years. In was on the eve of the 2007 Dubai World Cup when the plans for the world's top racing centre were unveiled.
The details and scale are illustrated here on our pages and, sure, not all is complete yet, including the falcon car park, but the track is ready for the all-important action. Four trial races were held last week and the new Tapeta all-weather surface got the thumbs-up from jockeys and trainers alike.
Godolphin jockey Frankie Dettori was as effusive as ever. "I just can't find the words to describe the amazing experience of racing at the Meydan Racecourse, it's just out of this world. The tracks are great and very even, and the lights are beautiful. I absolutely loved it."
Former UK champion jockey Kieren Fallon, now back in the UAE added: "Meydan Racecourse has a beautiful surface which is very well covered even as you're coming round the bends. It was really a joy to ride on this track.
Godolphin's number two jockey Ted Durcan said: "I think it'll suit all horses and you have to be really enthusiastic about everything. I'm really impressed".
Trainer Mike De Kock said: "We've received really positive feedback from the jockeys that the surface is fantastic. It was a good experience, especially to get a feel of the long walk from the barns and through the tunnels."
Champion trainer Doug Watson added: "I haven't been a big synthetic fan but have received very good feedback from the jockeys. All our horses ran and finished nicely, so now we're just ready to race for the money."
The cost, including track, hotel, grandstand and infrastructure is close to $10 billion. The grandstand and hotel alone ate up $4.6 billion. Tonight the world will see if the money has been well spent.
