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Night Of Thunder Retires To Darley‎

Night Of Thunder, the brilliant 2000 Guineas winner, has been retired and is set to take up duties as a Darley stallion.

Night Of Thunder, the brilliant 2000 Guineas winner, has been retired and is set to take up duties as a Darley stallion.

From 11 starts over three seasons, the son of Dubawi won four races, finished second three times, and third once, for total win and place prize money of £872,361. He was a dual Group One winner.

He won both his starts at two, including his debut over six furlongs, he landed a Classic at three, and then took a Group One at four. The Godolphin-owned miler was described by his trainer Richard Hannon as "a truly outstanding racehorse."

Hannon added: "He was the perfect package. He had that fantastic blend of speed and determination.

"He was sharp enough to win his only two starts as a juvenile, yet he had the class and finishing power to beat one of the strongest Guineas fields of the past 20 years.

"Then he trained on at four and won the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, fighting off all challengers with tremendous courage.

"I look forward to seeing his first foals when they arrive. Being by Dubawi out of a Galileo mare, he has plenty going for him in his new role as a stallion. He is perfect for the job," Hannon added.

Night of Thunder won the 2014 running of the 2000 Guineas in epic style under Kieren Fallon, defeating four subsequent multiple Group One winners, as well as a Classic winner.

He beat Kingman (2nd), Australia (3rd), Charm Spirit (5th), Kingston Hill (8th) and The Grey Gatsby (10th).

John Ferguson, bloodstock advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, said: "Night Of Thunder ticks every box as a potential stallion.

"He was a horse with a marvellous attitude and temperament, and some of his work at home was exceptional. His race record speaks for itself. It was absolutely brilliant," he added.

Night Of Thunder
Night Of Thunder © Ian Headington