Swinburn to ride in Dubai

Walter Swinburn revealed yesterday that he is to end his "sabbatical" by riding in Dubai next January

Walter Swinburn revealed yesterday that he is to end his "sabbatical" by riding in Dubai next January. The three-time Derby-winning jockey, out of action since he took a break from racing due to weight problems in April, had been expected to return for the start of the British 1998 Flat turf season in March.

But it has emerged that the 36year-old has accepted an invitation from Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin organisation to warm up by riding in Dubai early next year.

Swinburn, who won the 1995 Derby on Lammtarra for Godolphin's trainer Saeed bin Suroor, said: "I am really looking forward to that."

"It is a real chance and a wonderful opportunity to get back into the spirit of competition. And I am extremely grateful fot it."