BIG MATCH LOOKS DOUBTFUL

Officials at Leopardstown are resigned to Dubai Millennium missing the Esat Digifone Irish Champion Stakes on September 9.

It had been expected that Godolphin`s colt would run in the 10-furlong Group One contest, setting up a clash of racing`s superstars with Montjeu, brilliant winner of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

However, Sheikh Mohammed has indicated that Dubai Millennium will be campaigned over a mile before a crack at the Breeders` Cup Classic this November.

Tony Corcoran, acting general manager at the course, said: 'We`re obviously very disappointed because when Dubai Millennium was put in at the second entry stage there was obviously a reasonable chance he was going to run.

'There is a US1million prize fund and it is part of the Emirates World Series and I don`t know what else we could do to tempt them. Anything we can do we will.

'It would have been fantastic - something to really look forward to - but they`ve got their own business to run.

'About a week ago we thought it was all going to happen but you never know - things change very quickly in racing.'

Nevertheless, the prestige of the race continues to grow following the victories of Daylami, Swain and Pilsudski in the last three renewals.

'It`s been very good race down the years right back to Sadler`s Wells and Triptych winning it at Phoenix Park,' Corcoran added.

'It`s really a top-class Group One and it fits in very well with the Arc.'