Trainer Aidan O'Brien has withdrawn his horses from consideration for the Dubai World Cup card on March 28, The Racing Post reported Thursday.

O'Brien, an annual participant in the World Cup program, had been set to ship a strong group from Ireland to Dubai early next week but pulled the plug on the trip over concerns regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Other European horses were set to travel to Dubai on Friday, but trainer John Gosden told The Racing Post that Star Catcher, the Cartier Award-winning 4-year-old filly, would not be traveling for the $6 million Dubai Turf. Gosden said he planned to send Lord North in her stead for that 1,800-meter race, headed by defending champion Almond Eye.