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The smoke that thunders - Darley's 2,000 Guineas and Lockinge winner Night Of Thunder's vital role in historic achievement

Joe Osborne reflects on Godolphin's historic Classic success and Night Of Thunder's coronation as Dubawi's heir apparent

Night Of Thunder was ever the professional in front of the cameras at Kildangan Stud
Night Of Thunder: first Classic winner for the sire was part of Darley's historic weekendCredit: Patrick McCann

On an unforgettable weekend for Darley, the global and the local combined to make racing and breeding history. Kildangan Stud, the Irish headquarters of Sheikh Mohammed's international operation, was a sparkling link in the chain that connected Guineas winners and Classic heroes across three continents.

For Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin Ireland, the achievement of a first Kentucky Derby success at the apex of the weekend is the culmination of Sheikh Mohammed's near 50-year involvement in the industry but it also demonstrated the Godolphin founder's commitment to innovation.

"Winning the Kentucky Derby was something Sheikh Mohammed had been trying to do for a long time so it was great he has finally achieved that ambition," he says.

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