The prospect of the world's richest race, the $4 million Dubai World Cup on March 28th, being postponed again this year because of rain is now an unlikely scenario. The discovery of gypsum, which retains water rather than draining it, at the Nad Al Sheba track, was found to be the cause of the problem following a deluge on race day.

Kevin Greely, the racing secretary of the Dubai World Cup Committee, has revealed that the new raised track has been fortified using silica, calcium carbonate and silt. "The track has taken time to settle down but it is now in very good order and can handle rain, `' he said.

One of the top track American track supervisors, Butch Lehr, of Churchill Downs, has given the track the all clear following an inspection. "This is the closest any track comes to Churchill Downs," he said.