THE Dubai World Cup was given a second chance yesterday when the $4 million race was re-scheduled to this Thursday. Within 18 hours of the desert showpiece being completely washed out by torrential rain, Sheikh Mohammed agreed to re-stage the event and fund the costs of those that stay on.
His decision was backed by nearly all the trainers involved in the big race with the exception of Frenchman Elie Lollouche, who has carried out his threat to withdraw European champion Helissio and flown home.
It leaves 12 runners to contest the world's richest race, which will keep its 4.15 p.m. start time with the current riding arrangements expected to remain unchanged.
However the event is not guaranteed to be screened live in Britain because Channel 4 has waived its contractual rights and it clashes with the first day of the Aintree Grand National meeting, televised by the BBC.
Michael Osborne, chairman of the Dubai World Cup committee, said: "We've checked the weather forecast and there is to be no more rain through to Friday.
"We are confident we can get the track back in racing condition and perfect shape for Thursday night. But there will be 12 runners because Helissio has opted out."
Any more rain between now and Thursday will almost certainly result in the abandonment of the whole venture but the Dubai weather centre, which accurately forecast Saturday's events, predict "quiet and settled weather at least until Thursday."
