Rain Postpones Dubai World Cup

The $4-million Dubai World Cup, postponed Saturday because of torrential rains, probably will be rescheduled for Thursday, weather permitting.

An official decision from the United Arab Emirates is expected Monday after a downpour caused the 1 1/4-mile race, in which Santa Anita Handicap winner Siphon is favored, to be called off.

“We decided it was too dangerous for the horses and jockeys,” said Michael Osbourne, the chairman of the Dubai World Cup. “There was a threat of electrical storms. It is not right to put horses and jockeys in electrical stalls and it is imperative that we keep the horses and human safety factor in mind. The trainers have all agreed to run, and that’s the main consensus. The only exception is Helissio, who will go home if there is one drop of rain.”

Helissio, the winner of last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, had not done well since arriving in Dubai, so his defection would come as no surprise.

There had been some talk the race, which was won by Cigar in its inaugural running, would be rescheduled for Saturday, but that wouldn’t have set well with the American jockeys and trainers. Corey Nakatani, who will ride Sandpit in the World Cup, is scheduled to ride Sharp Cat in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby that day.