The first British Classic of the 2026 season did not disappoint as huge crowds gathered in the Newmarket sunshine to witness the devastating demolition of a quality field by Night Of Thunder's impressive son, Bow Echo.
A fragmented field spread across the track was not the ideal, but Billy Loughnane kept his cool and allowed his mount to find his place. Bow Echo, travelling sweetly, was produced to perfection coming out of the famous Newmarket dip to challenge, and ultimately defeat, the highly-touted Gstaad as the pair pulled well clear of the rest. Bow Echo's dominance was evident and the George Boughey-trained three-year-old stormed away to win as he liked.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Distant Storm ran with great credit to finish third, providing Night Of Thunder with two of the first three horses home in the 2,000 Guineas.
Bred by the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Bow Echo is the only foal out of the multiple-winning mare, Aristocratic Lady (Invincible Spirit). He maintains a 100% winning record and connections have always believed him to be of the calibre demonstrated today on the Rowley Mile.
Night Of Thunder sired an incredible five G1 winners in 2025,including Desert Flower, winner of the 1,000 Guineas. He has started the 2026 season in the same manner, with Bow Echo impressing in his role as 2026 flagbearer. Night Of Thunder is the only stallion to have yearlings achieve seven figures in the sales ring in Britain, Ireland and France last year.
