New twist for London track plan

Wiggins, having taken advice f rom leading counsel, have been advised that they have a strong case for an appeal based on the suggestion that Mr Prescott's decision was inconsistent with the findings of the 13-month public inquiry into the Fairlop Waters project chaired by Inspector Brian Sims.

Iny added: "We will be making a formal application to the High Court later this week, and it seems that after the long delays waiting for Mr Prescott's initial decision the appeal could be decided on as early as December.

"We have always been determined to give London the landmark racecourse it deserves. Our hearts are still set on doing just that, but if it isn't to be then it seems that we will be heading off to build it elsewhere."

Meanwhile, connections of last year's runaway Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Sakhee are looking for the five-year-old to show his old fire on the gallops before deciding on whether he will head back to Longchamp for a clash with the Derby hero High Chaparral on 6 October.

Last year's European champion racehorse ran well below his best when beaten a length by Wellbeing at Deauville on Saturday. But Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said that Sakhee is none the worse for his defeat. He said: "It was a below-par effort, but he made significant progress from his first run to his second last year so we'll have to see if his momentum kicks in again during the next couple of weeks."