Thunder Snow to bolster Godolphin team on Champions Day

Thunder Snow will strengthen Godolphin's hand by joining favourite Ribchester in the Qipco Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day, after the race was nominated on Monday as his next target.

The three-year-old was beaten a neck when third in the Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville on Sunday, a race he contested while Ribchester remained in his box following his unexpected defeat in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Thunder Snow, a 16-1 shot for the QEII, will be given a break in preparation for Ascot on October 21 having proved admirably consistent this season, aside from his bizarre performance when he exited the stalls bucking and kicking in the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said: "He ran a great race in Deauville and came back today healthy and with no problems. We'll give him a break now and bring him back for the QEII.

"He's never had an easy time. He's tough and always runs well. He tries and is a good horse to have around. He'll be a nice horse for next year as well."

Bin Suroor also reported Racing History to be in top shape following his third in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin on Sunday, his first race for nine months.

"He ran a good race and we’ll look to see what other Group 1s there are for him now," said the trainer.

"He has had little injuries and setbacks so we've had to look after him. But he's good now."