Al Maktoum Challenge second for Thunder Snow

Thunder Snow, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, was second on his first start of 2018 in the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 over a dirt mile at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, 11 January.

Partnered by Christophe Soumillon, the four-year-old Helmet colt was settled at the rear of the eight runners in the early stages.

After moving up to second entering the straight, Thunder Snow kept on without being able to press Heavy Metal, who made all to score by four and a half lengths in 1m 37.80s.

Christophe Soumillon said: “Thunder Snow jumped out OK and I was happy with my position.

“Today’s distance with that pace was probably a bit short for him, but he finished the race well and so it’s encouraging for the future.

“This race should bring him on and he will be a better horse next time out.”

Saeed bin Suroor commented: “I think Thunder Snow needs further than a mile now. A mile and a quarter should be more suitable for him. 

“We will look at the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge for him next (G2, 9.5f, 8 February) and we will see how he gets on.

“He is all good after his race today and the run should bring him on.”