Sean Tarry’s dual Gr1 winning sprinter Thunderstruck has been retired after injuring his knee in a spectacular victory at Turffontein on Saturday.
The multiple national champion trainer reported on his website late on Monday that it is very disappointing to note that Thunderstruck injured his knee in what looked like a very comfortable and spectacular victory.
Thunderstruck (Piere Strydom, red cap) ranges up outside of Ziyasha and Rulership, before going away to win narrowly (Pic – JC Photos)
“In consultation with the vets and racing manager, Jehan Malherbe, given how late it is in the season,and considering all that he has done for us and the brilliant season he has had, not to mention his value as a stallion, a decision has been made to retire him immediately. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mary Slack for entrusting me with this magnificent colt throughout his short but illustrious racing career.
Thunderstruck, notable for his good looks and soundness (before his injury), has all the credentials to be a top stallion and will stand the new season at Ridgemont in Robertson.
A BSA Online Auction recordbreaker at R1 241 000 as part of the Javett Dispersal, the Avontuur-bred Thunderstruck was originally acquired for R1 million BSA National Yearling Sale in 2021 by Form Bloodstock.
A son of leading Redoute’s Choice stallion Rafeef, he is out of the Gr2 winning Var mare, Varikate.
After being crowned Highveld Feature Season Champion Sprinter on Saturday evening, Thunderstruck remains a leading candidate for Equus Champion Sprinter honours.
Thunderstruck retires with a top record of 8 victories (including two Gr1’s) with 7 places from his 18 starts for stakes of R2 541 938.
