STRATEGIC CHOICE was the most notable withdrawal yesterday from the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday. The colt, who landed the Grand Prix de Deauville on his last start in August, was taken out of the race by Paul Cole at yesterday morning's forfeit stage.

Only last week Cole was forced to withdraw his main Arc hope Riyadian due to a setback. Altogether nine horses were taken out of the race, leaving 20 still in the mile and a half contest.

Classic Cliche, Godolphin's Gold Cup winner for whom Frankie Dettori is booked remains in the line up pending a final decision on his participation. If the four year old is scratched Dettori is set to switch to last year's is Derby runner up Tamure, who is among nine British based runners left in the race.

Meanwhile, Kim Bailey expressed his delight yesterday at securing Gold Cup winning rider, Conor O'Dwyer as his new stable jockey.

"I am very pleased as Conor is a top jockey and has been at the top for a long time," the trainer said. "He will have his first ride, for me at Uttoxeter on Saturday."

Despite his new job, O'Dwyer will maintain his partnership with Imperial Call, who gave him the biggest success of his career in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March.

"He will still be going back and forward to Ireland," Bailey explained. "He has still got his own contacts in Ireland and won't be with me the whole time. He should be able to do both."