No Scottish National for Chief Dan
There are a few noteworthy National Hunt racing events throughout the season that stand out above other race meetings, and the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival is one of them. Taking place on the 16th and 17th of April 2010, it is a festival that attracts thousands of excited spectators and offers two days of breathtaking National Hunt events. But it is the main race, the Coral Scottish Grand National, which everyone waits for, being held on Saturday, 17 April 2010. Run over a distance of four miles, the race carries a purse of £200 000 and is an event that every jockey dreams of winning.
With approximately eighteen thousand spectators crowding Ayr Racecourse, the Coral Scottish Grand National will feature a competitive field of horses. Unfortunately, Chief Dan George will not be found amongst them. Trained by Jimmy Moffat and owned by Maurice Chapman, Chief Dan George underwent a blood test that did not come back satisfactory. A meeting was held, together with jockey, Paddy Aspell, and the heart breaking decision was made to withdraw Chief Dan George from the Coral Scottish Grand National. It is also the end of the season for this magnificent horse, as he will now he turned out to rest as Moffat looks towards next season. He has enjoyed an extremely successful season, with victories such as the William Hill Trophy Handicap to his name, and everyone is positive that he will come back better and stronger next season. Moffat commented about next season, saying: “You’ll probably see the horse again in the Charlie Hall Chase. That will be his starting point. He’ll be out in a field in a fortnight to three weeks. There’s nothing wrong with the horse, he’s fine. It’s just that his blood is not quite right.”
The Coral Scottish Grand National will be waiting for Chief Dan George next year, but for now, the contenders field is as follows: Montero, Poker De Sivola, Hold The Pin, Meanus Dandy, Air Force One, Faasel, Superior Wisdom, Gone To Lunch, Out The Black, Lochan Lacha, Scots Dragon, Theatrical Moment, Razor Royale, Ma Yahab, That s Rhythm, Himalayan Trail, Killyglen, Bar, Lothian Falcon, Present M Lord, Dom D Orgeval, Boychuk, Halcon Genelardis, Mobaasher, Chiaro, Gidam Gidam, Merigo and Cleni Boy.
