Champion jockey Tony McCoy gave up his two rides at Cork yesterday but will return to action on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Irishman missed a winning ride at Wincanton on Saturday when he aggravated an old neck injury, with Tom Scudamore deputising to good effect on Amour Multiple.

However, his agent Dave Roberts reported the injury to be nothing serious and McCoy will return midweek. "He gave up his two rides at Cork as he just felt a bit sore," said Roberts. "It's nothing serious, though, and he will return on Wednesday."

Meanwhile connections of Breeders' Cup Classic winner Invasor are looking forward to locking horns with Godolphin's great hope Discreet Cat in the £6 million Dubai World Cup in March.

The Argentinian-bred five-year-old lowered the colours of hot favourite Bernardini at Churchill Downs and has only suffered one defeat in his 10-race career to date.

However, that came at last year's Dubai Carnival when he could finish only fourth - behind Discreet Cat.

Invasor has improved out of all recognition since, however, and after being officially rated the best horse in the world in the World Thoroughbred Rankings, connections are not surprisingly willing to take on all-comers.

And according to Shadwell Farm's Rick Nichols, they cannot wait for the clash with Discreet Cat.

"Bring it on, we have nothing to be scared of," said Nicholls.

The Dubai World Cup is the world's richest race and is the feature event on Saturday, March 31st when £21 million is on offer in prize-money over four Group One races and two Group Twos.