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■ AUTO RACING
Abu Dhabi wants best circuit
The Persian Gulf state of Abu Dhabi has set out to build the perfect Formula One circuit. The city is to host an F1 race in 2009 for the first time. "We will not only meet expectations, but exceed them without a doubt," said Ahmad Hussain, deputy director-general of Abu Dhabi's Tourism Authority. The US$40 billion project on Yas Island will have part of the circuit on the streets and lots of space for yachts to get a view of the action from the sea. Construction began in January on the 2,550-hectare site off the United Arab Emirates' east coast, and only 5 percent of the 5.5km track is complete. It is expected to seat 200,000 spectators.

■ HORSE RACING
Mare sets losing record
A Puerto Rican horse that can't win a race at least now has a claim to fame. Dona Chepa, a nine-year-old brown mare, finished last in a six-horse field at Camarero Racetrack in eastern Puerto Rico on Wednesday, a 125th consecutive loss that is believed to be the longest in history. Track spokesman Joe Bruno said Wednesday's loss surpasses an equine losing record of 0-124 set by Australian horse Ouroene, who raced from 1976 to 1983. There is no world governing body that tracks lack of success for horses. Dona Chepa, which comes from a distinguished line of champion racers, began her woeful ways on Valentine's Day in 2001. The closest she came to victory was in May 2003, when she finished second, Bruno said.

■ SOCCER
Seongnam Ilhwa gain edge
Kim Min-ho and Son Dae-ho scored 90 seconds apart midway through the second half and Seongnam Ilhwa beat Al Karama 2-1 in Seongnam, South Korea, on Wednesday in the first leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-finals. The victory gives the seven-time K-League champion the advantage heading into next week's second leg at Homs, Syria. Japan's Urawa Reds also won 2-1 at home, beating South Korean side and defending champion Jeonbuk Motors, while fellow Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale held Sepahan to a 0-0 draw in Esfahan, Iran. In the late quarter-final, two-time champion Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia held Al Wahda to a 0-0 draw in the United Arab Emirates.

■ CYCLING
Bennati wins second stage
Lampre rider Daniele Bennati won his second stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Wednesday, outracing Paolo Bettini and Alessandro Petacchi in the final meters. The Italian finished the 180km 17th stage to Talavera de la Reina, Spain, in three hours, 56 minutes, 58 seconds. Denis Menchov of Russia retains an overall 2:01 lead over fellow countryman Vladimir Efimkin.

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