Tom Weekes
Thunder adds a second Listed success, in Cork's Noblesse
Thunder Roll and Dylan Browne McMonagle
© Photo Healy Racing
Thunder Roll (3/1f) registered a second Listed win today as the Joseph O'Brien-trained, Rosegreen Partnership-owned filly landed Cork's featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes under Dylan Browne McMonagle.
Previously successful in Galway's Oyster Stakes last September, the Night Of Thunder-filly finished 11th at Group 1 level on her last start of 2023 and today reappeared racing with the pace, before holding faster-finishing runner-up Suminha by a half-length.
Afterwards trainer O'Brien said "she was a nice filly last year and progressed well but she was a bit below par in France (in September) when the ground was very fast.
"I thought she did well to win today's tactical race as she went to the front early and fought all the way to the line. It was a very good ride and hopefully she is a progressive filly for this year.
"There is no doubt she will be at her best when she has a bit of juice (in the ground) and while Dylan said we could consider 10 furlongs if we wanted to but I think she'll stick to 1m4f. There is the Group 3 Munster Oaks back here in June."