Racing round-up: Night Of Thunder sprang a big surprise in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket to give Richard Hannon jnr a first British Classic in his rookie season as a trainer.
Clareman Kieren Fallon had plenty of steering problems in the closing stages as the 40 to 1 chance veered over the track.
However, that did not stop the son of Dubawi getting up close home to win by half a length and reversing Greenham form with Kingman, the 6 to 4 favourite. Aidan O’Brien’s Australia was another head away in third.
Night Of Thunder’s better-fancied stablemate, Toormore, faded after setting the pace on the near side.
Fallon said: “I thought he’d given it away, but he’s a good horse and hopefully he can continue.”
An emotional Hannon said: “We always thought a lot of him and he’s done it well. He gets a mile, no problem, and he settled better today.
“He pulled a little bit in the Greenham and he’s turned the form around with Kingman.”
The field split into two groups, with Toormore moving to the stands’ rail under Richard Hughes and Spanish raider Noozhoh Canarias leading the far-side numbers.
Kingman had a wide berth in the far group but looked like he would justify his high opinion, while on the near side Toormore was headed a furlong out, with Australia going on from the Hannon third string, Shifting Power.
Night Of Thunder began his run on the far side but drifted towards the near side, yet still took the spoils.
Six-times champion jockey Fallon was securing his fifth success in the 2000 Guineas.
Night Of Thunder now has the option of travelling to the Curragh to contest the Irish equivalent on May 24th, for which he would need to be supplemented.
Hannon said: “We’ll have to talk to Bruce Raymond (racing manager for owner Saeed Manana) but I’d imagine it will be either the Irish Guineas or the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot.
“Shifting Power ran great to finish fourth and could be a French Derby horse.”
Kingman is also under consideration for the same two races.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for the colt’s owner Khalid Abdullah, said: “He ran a great race. The field splitting was not ideal, but that’s racing and we accept that.
“He has won his side of the field and we’ll have bigger disappointments than finishing second in a Classic.
“The ground was fine and the winner’s the winner, he won it fair and square.
“I imagine it will be the St James’s Palace, although Ireland’s not out of the question.”
Sole Power recorded back-to-back-victories in the Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes with another classy display by the Irish sprinter.
Ryan Moore brought Eddie Lynam's dual Group One winner to lead inside the final furlong after Justineo and Stepper Point had made the running in this Group Three five-furlong dash.
Despite having to be switched right for a clear run, the 9 to 4 favourite got home by half a length from Kingsgate Native, who was also second 12 months ago. Hot Streak was another head away in third.
Moore said: “He’s probably the best five-furlong horse in England and Ireland.
“He was back to best today. If he gets a hard pace to run at he’s about the best there is.”
Lynam said: “Ryan said he was super today. Unlike his trainer, he is improving with age. He’s very honest – too honest – and Ryan loved him today.
“We’re looking forward to another good season. If he gets three things – his ground, that he’s bouncing out of his skin, and that Ryan Moore rides – he’ll go to the Temple Stakes. If not, then he’s off to the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot.
Annie Power emphatically returned to winning ways in the Irish Stallion Farm EBF Mares Champion Hurdle on the final day of the Punchestown Festival.
The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old’s spotless record was ended when second in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, but she reminded everyone of her talents back on home territory and back against her own sex.
Sent off the 1 to 6 favourite back down in trip over two and a quarter miles, Annie Power made all of the running under Ruby Walsh, who extended his advantage at the top of the home straight. Runner-up Jennies Jewel gave chase, but it was all in vain.
Mullins said: “Ruby wanted to be bold and jumped out and let her go on.
“We’ll probably give her a break now as she’s had a hard enough season.
“I’d love to see her jump those French hurdles but she’s possibly done enough travelling this season.
“She was hanging off the rails a bit, which was a bit of a concern, but she’s not raced right-handed that much.
“We didn’t put in the earplugs today, either, so that could also be a reason for her hanging.”
