Group 1 winning miler Night Of Thunder will take up stud duties at Darley Victoria this year.

The son of Makfi defeated one of the strongest fields in living memory for the 2014 English 2000 Guineas when triumphing over subsequent classic winners Australia, The Grey Gatsby and Kingston Hill as well as top performers Kingman and Charm Spirit.

He went on to add a brilliant victory in the G1 Lockinge Stakes last year.

John Ferguson, bloodstock advisor to 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.  He was absolutely brilliant.”

Night Of Thunder was the first horse Richard Hannon trained for Sheikh Mohammed.  “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.

“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.”

Night Of Thunder was undefeated at two, when his victories included a three-length win in the LR Doncaster Stakes.  In addition to his Group 1 triumphs, Night Of Thunder was placed at the highest level on three occasions.  He is out of the Galileo mare Forest Storm from the family of the Irish 1000 Guineas winner Forest Flower.

He will shuttle from Kildangan Stud in Ireland for a $16,500 (inc gst) fee.

NIGHT OF THUNDER