Thrilling UAE Derby win by Thunder Snow

Thunder Snow gave Godolphin a famous last-gasp victory in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan, UAE, on Dubai World Cup Night, Saturday, March 25.

The three-year-old Helmet colt, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and partnered by Christophe Soumillon, gained a Classic double in the nine and a half-furlong UAE Derby after an impressive victory on his dirt and seasonal debut in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas over a mile on February 11.

Thunder Snow, drawn wide in stall 13 of the 16 runners, broke smartly and raced prominently on the outside.

He was settled in fourth, moved up to third on the final bend and went second entering the straight.

Thunder Snow challenged the unbeaten Japanese-trained Epicharis in the final furlong, wandered up pressure, but then knuckled down to the task and headed the leader on the line to deliver a thrilling victory by a short-head in 1m 57.76s on muddy dirt.

He was the top two-year-old colt trained in Britain last year, ending a progressive turf campaign with a five-length success in the G1 Criterium International over seven furlongs at Saint-Cloud, France, in October.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “That wasn’t an easy race but Thunder Snow is a champion. He was a G1 winner in France and won the UAE Guineas last time - to win the UAE Derby is a great result for the horse.

“Christophe Soumillon gave him a brilliant ride and well done to the jockey. I had confidence in the jockey and the horse - I thought he had the chance to win the race.

“We will talk to Sheikh Mohammed and make a decision about the Kentucky Derby later.”

John Ferguson, Chief Executive & Racing Manager of Godolphin, commented: “Thunder Snow is an amazingly consistent horse. He won a G1 in Europe and was the top-rated two-year-old to be trained in England last year.

“He has come out here and been admirably consistent. Well done to Saeed and all his team.

“The horse that finished second is a top horse in Japan, so it was another really good international race and I am delighted for Saeed and his team, all at Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed.

“The Kentucky Derby is something for Saeed and the team to think about but it is obviously an option.”