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Elton John and Santana to Perform at Meydan

DUBAI - Meydan announced that Elton John and Santana will be performing ‘live’ at the 2010 Dubai World Cup on March 27.

The 15th running of the Dubai World Cup also marks the official launch of the world’s largest integrated racing facility, the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, a press release said on Friday

One of the best known musician of his time; Elton John was introduced to the international stage early on with his self-titled breakthrough album and evergreen hit Your Song. 40 years on, he has received a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II, an honorary doctorate from the Royal Academy of Music, and holds an unmatched record of 60 concerts at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York.

With 90 singles and 32 albums totaling nearly 500 tracks to date, Elton John is widely credited as one of the world’s most dynamic musical legends. Despite being the performer with the biggest selling single of all time at well over 33,000,000 copies with Candle in the Wind, the heartfelt tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Elton remains committed to his music and to touring.

Carlos Santana owns one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. Delivered with a level of passion and soul equal to the legendary sonic charge of his guitar, Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres, generational, cultural and geographical boundaries even long before the “world music” genre was named. For more than four decades, Santana’s ever-evolving sound has always been ahead of its time in its universal appeal, and today registers as ideally in sync with the 21st century’s pan-cultural landscape. To date, Santana has sold more than 90 million records and reached over 100 million fans at concerts around the globe, won ten GRAMMY Awards and three Latin GRAMMYs.

Mohammad A. Nasser Al Khayat, Commercial Director of Meydan speaks of the worldwide significance that March 27 will represent: “It is fitting that we have two legendary performers, Elton John and Santana, closing the 15th Dubai World Cup here at Meydan. They are iconic, inimitable and extremely dynamic entertainers. Not only will we see, what I am sure will be amazing world-class horseracing action throughout the evening, but we will also showcase an opening ceremony which will not only astound and touch the hearts of the people who will be there to witness a historical moment as we officially launch Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse.

The concert will serve as a wonderful way to cap off an unforgettable night for all our guests, partners and the people around the world.”

Frank Gabriel Jr, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club, added: “We have world-class horses, jockeys and trainers on one of the world’s most anticipated race days with $26m in prize money at stake over 8 races.

Add to that an amazing facility like Meydan, and with both Elton John and Santana to close the 15th Dubai World Cup and Meydan’s official launch – this will be the event of the year. I think our horsemen, guests and partners will be in for a spectacular treat and this will undoubtedly be a night to remember for a long time to come.”

The dual headliner concert is expected to commence after the last race at approximately 10.45pm. Gates at Meydan Racecourse will open from 2pm for the races. Dubai World Cup Apron Views tickets start from Dh350.