Thunder Snow, the first (and so far, only) horse ever to win back-to-back Dubai World Cups and a G1 winner at two, three, four and five, has been retired from racing.

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor throughout his career, Thunder Snow made his racecourse debut in the May of his two-year-old season and won easily. He added his first Black Type to his record when second in the G2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, before finishing a creditable fourth in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes.

Lining up in the G1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud later that month, Thunder Snow could not have been more impressive, producing a devastating turn of foot two furlongs out to skip clear of his rivals and win by a full five lengths. This win was enough to see him rated the best two-year-old colt in France that year.

Thunder Snow returned at three in the UAE 2,000 Guineas and soon answered any doubts as to whether he could replicate his form on the dirt as he romped to a five-and-three-quarter-length victory at Meydan. He then added a fast-finishing win in the G2 UAE Derby.

Later that year, Thunder Snow posted one of the most brilliant performances of his career with a dominant win in the G1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.

Returning at four, Thunder Snow won the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 at Meydan, before utterly dominating in the Dubai World Cup.

Dictating from the front throughout, he eventually won Dubai’s showpiece by almost six lengths. That year he was also placed in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

In 2019, Thunder Snow made history when becoming the first horse ever to win the Dubai World Cup twice, prevailing in a thrilling finish over Gronkowski, with the pair well clear of the rest of the field.

His trainer Saeed bin Suroor said, “Thunder Snow created history by winning the Dubai World Cup twice and provided us with two brilliant results in France, capturing the Criterium International and the Prix Jean Prat. He ran great races on dirt and turf at some of the world’s top meetings and was a superstar for us.

“He was a class horse, who was very professional and easy to train. He was extremely tough and always tried his hardest in everything he did. He was one of the best horses to ever race for Godolphin and it was a privilege to train him.

“We will all miss him at Godolphin Stables but he retires at the top and we can look forward to seeing his progeny. I am sure that he will become a top stallion over the coming years.”

Stud plans for Thunder Snow will be announced shortly.

 Godolphin