Grand Impact is set to make a highly anticipated return to competitive racing after a hiatus of 16 months, with his comeback slated for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
Trained by Mick Price in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, the four-year-old entire boasts an impressive record, having secured victories in his first three starts, including a notable triumph in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) over Saturday's course and distance back in October 2022.
However, his last appearance saw him finish 12th behind In Secret in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in the same month.
Price shed light on the challenges Grand Impact faced during his absence.
“He's had 16 months off. We discovered a condition called OCD in a shoulder – osteochondritis dissecans.
“It's where you get a lesion of cartilage flake off and it's in the weight-bearing joint surface.
“It causes inflammation and pain, and it took us a while to find it, and it's inoperable.”
Despite the setback, Price expressed optimism about Grand Impact's current condition.
“He's had plenty of time off, but he's had plenty of time down at Lauriston Park on the beach and he's in good condition now.
“He seems sound, but I'd be surprised if after all that time off he'd come out and win. Hopefully, he runs well and then trains on.”