Godolphin’s Thunder Snow to Run in Kentucky Derby

Leading 3-year-old colt Thunder Snow will officially run in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6.

The son of Helmet, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, will remain on dirt following two victories over the surface at Meydan, UAE, earlier this year, including a last-gasp success in the Grade 2 UAE Derby over an extended nine furlongs on Dubai World Cup Night, March 25.

He also stormed to an easy win in the mile Grade 3 UAE 2000 Guineas on February 11.

Kentucky Derby Bonus: Access our Top 10 Kentucky Derby Wagering Mistakes for a step-by-step guide on how we’ve hit three straight Kentucky Derby winners.

Thunder Snow was the top 2-year-old colt trained in Britain last year and ended his turf campaign with a dominant five-length victory in the Grade 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud, France, in October.

“Following discussions with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, His Highness made the decision that Thunder Snow is to go for the Kentucky Derby,” said Saeed bin Suroor. “He is a big, strong colt who is improving all of the time and acts on dirt, and we are looking forward to seeing him take on the best 3-year-olds in America.

“The Kentucky Derby is a great race and one of the few major international contests that Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin have yet to win.

“Thunder Snow is a colt of the highest class and I hope that he can step up in the Kentucky Derby.”

The $2 million Kentucky Derby, run over 10 furlongs, is the longest continually-held sporting event in North America and the first race of the US Triple Crown, which is completed by the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes on May 20 and the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes on June 10.

Credit: Club Godolphin