The stars come out for the Carnival

The wait is finally over as tonight sees the first meeting of the 2009 Dubai International Racing Carnival, and what a treat we are in for.

The atmosphere and buzz around the track during the mornings has gradually reached a crescendo as superstars, both horse and human, prepare to "do their stuff".

I popped down to the Mall of the Emirates earlier in the week and while searching through the "fruit 'n' veg" department in Carrefour I happened to spot Mick Kinane in the distance, and while there is nothing wrong with shopping in the popular hypermarket, I very much doubt the Irish riding legend is here just to collect a few sundries from the busy store.

He is of course one of several world-renowned jockeys set to take Nad Al Sheba by storm.

His boss, John Oxx will be relying on Red Eye Express to collect some of the generous dollars up for grabs tonight and, with Kinane in the saddle, success looks likely.

I suppose that's an added bonus with the Carnival, as well as being able to enjoy watching top-class horses and jockeys, the place is also a popular haunt for many celebrities, and for any autograph hunters there will be plenty of opportunities to add those all important entries to your coveted book.

Not one to get star-struck, I did happen to walk past Irish singer Ronan Keating one night last year as he managed to find time out from recording duties to enjoy the racing.

However, sporting a pair of tatty combat trousers, he wasn't really dressed for the occasion

The former world champion boxer, Chris Eubank, is also a regular visitor to the races and always attracts plenty of press attention, if not to ask which horse he thinks will win the next race, but to find out when he will next be parking his seven-tonne truck outside Downing Street.

Already we have a good mix of personalities, a chart-topper, an eccentric sportsman, who is probably more famous for his exploits out of the ring, than in; all we need now is a TV soap star and football player to complete the celebrity set.

Former Emmerdale and Bad Girl, Clare King, who is one of my favourites I have to admit, is a frequent attendee and was regularly seen shouting her horse – Fremen – home up the straight. Unfortunately her efforts were in vain, but at least she seemed to be enjoying herself.

Then of course, there's my infamous "meeting" with Michael Owen, who I attempted to interview on World Cup night two years ago. He wasn't too forthcoming when asked to sum up his day, perhaps he was down on the Horse Play, or otherwise I can only assume he felt nervous in my presence!

I had a quick chat with Kevin Shea while riding out on Tuesday and asked him which horse he thought had the best winning opportunity this evening.

Always willing to offer his opinion, the popular jockey told me of this week's main fancy. But which one?

Now that would be telling.