MICHAEL KINANE has bid farewell to Hong Kong racing after five eventful years, having confirmed that he won't be renewing his licence in the territory.
The multiple Irish champion, who has experienced a wide gamut of experiences in Hong Kong, had originally planned to bow out at Happy Valley on Saturday.
However, the rescheduling of the Dubai World Cup for tomorrow has meant an earlier than planned exit.
Kinane said: "I will leave Hong Kong on Wednesday (today) for Dubai, where I ride Luso in the World Cup. I will then be returning to Ireland.
"I am sorry that I wasn't able to ride a winner for trainer David Oughton," he added, referring to Victory Star's narrow defeat in the Centurion Trophy.
The sand track at Nad Al Sheba due to host the rescheduled Dubai World Cup tomorrow, was reopened yesterday and immediately was given a big thumbs-up by Californian trainer Richard Mandella.
The $4 million World Cup was washed out last Saturday owing to unexpected torrential rain and thunderstorms. It will be shown live on BBC.
Mandella, trainer of race favourites Siphon and Sandpit said: "The track is in fantastic shape. It is even better than before the rain. The track manager, Steve Grigg, has clearly done a fantastic job."
The drying-out process at Nad Al Sheba has been greatly aided by two days of perfect weather and the use of a helicopter to dry out any surplus water.
Four of the five British hopefuls, Bijou d'Inde, Luso, Flemensfirth and Singspiel, all worked yesterday at varying rates of intensity.
However, one horse that did catch the eye was the third American challenger Formal Gold.
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