We’ll have to wait a while for General’s next race

He produced two stunning victories through April and May to leave us gasping for more, but we are again forced to endure a wait to see General Dodge back at the races.

Trainer Mick Chircop told thetrots.com.au that the son of Courage Under Fire had been battling a few “niggles”, but was largely fine and being saved for some of the bigger features later in the year.

These could begin with the Jet Roofing Kilmore Pacing Cup on September 24 and the Pryde’s Easifeed Victoria Cup on October 9.

Chircop said the horse would likely be at least another 10 weeks away from the races.

“He’s going pretty good. He just had a couple of weeks off,” Chircop said.

“He’s back in work now. He’ll probably jog for three weeks and then start his hopple work and we’ll get back into it.”

The injury and illness-plagued eight-year-old emerged from more than a year on the sidelines to win at Geelong in April, before backing up two weeks later to score at Tabcorp Park Melton. His most recent win at Victorian headquarters led caller Dan Mielicki to the words “if he stays sound, we might have a challenger to Lochinvar Art!”, such was the brilliance of his victory.

In all, General Dodge has won 14 of 19 career starts for more than $100,000 in prizemoney.