Dubai: Meydan Racecourse is believed to be the ultimate sporting venue — the paradise of the sports world.
So why would you be surprised to discover that American actress Paula Patton, who plays the female lead role alongside Oscar-nominated actor Tom Cruise in the highly-anticipated fourth instalment of the Mission: Impossible series, was singing its praises on national television.
Patton, who is currently filming on location in Dubai along with co-star Jeremy Renner of The Hurt Locker fame, turned show-stopper at Thursday night's race meet where she revealed her admiration for the Emirate and her action co-star Cruise.
"I absolutely love Dubai, it's one of the most beautiful places that I've ever been to," the 34-year-old told Dubai television. "It's been an incredible adventure — the beaches, the buildings, and the people. This [Meydan] is unbelievable. "I've done ski-Dubai, sandboarding… it's all very thrilling."
It's often chemistry between actors that wins the day and Patton, who recently played Queen Latifah's sister in Just Wright and was also in Precious opposite Mariah Carey, hinted at having a blast while playing a young operative alongside Cruise's character Ethan Hunt.
"He's an incredible actor, he's so kind, so generous," she gushed. "It's an absolute honour to be cast opposite him. I always feel respect of someone who has been so successful for such a long time."
Patton, who shares an uncanny resemblance to previous Mission: Impossible actresses Thandie Newton and Emmanuelle Beart, spent the better part of the evening on Thursday watching the horses from up close in the Meydan parade ring.
Loving the race action
Renner, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his starring role in the 2009 war thriller The Hurt Locker, also indicated his interest before he was seen zipping off with a friend in a red, open top Ferrari.
MI4 — Ghost Protocol, is a $140 million (Dh514 million) film which is scheduled for release in 2011.
The crew, led by director Brad Bird, known for The Incredibles and Ratatouille, have been filming in Dubai at Meydan Racecourse and the Burj Khalifa.
