MICHAEL OSBORNE, a former senior steward of the Irish Turf Club and one of the leading figures in international racing in recent decades, has died after a short illness at the age of 71.

Sheikh Mohammed led the tributes to Michael Osborne, a former senior steward of the Irish Turf Club and leading figure in international racing, who died on Wednesday after a short illness at the age of 71.

The Emirates Racing Association have announced a number of changes to the racing programme in Dubai for the 2002/3 season.