Italy, Hippodrome de San Siro 13 October 2024
Lightning Thunder has faced a string of near-misses in pattern races reserved for thoroughbred Arabians. After being narrowly beaten in photo finishes by El Paso on 1 September in Baden-Baden (Group 2) and on 22 September in Duindigt (Group 3) by Farida P, it was time for another heartbreak in Milan. Coached by the Dutch trainer Karin Van den Bos, Lightning Thunder this time fell short to the impressive 10-year-old Ayman in the Milan Jockey Club PSA (Group 3, 1800 meters), the most important autumn event in Italy for PSAs.
Leading from the start, Lightning Thunder stayed ahead until the final 50 meters when Mario Sanna’s relentless push on Ayman proved decisive. At the finish line, Ayman snatched victory by half a length. Aurelien Lemaitre, riding the clear favorite Lightning Thunder, might have paced too cautiously on the strenuous terrain. Macho T, another horse trained by the Swedish Maria Hagman Eriksson, secured third place.
Among the three Italian riders, Ellenoditrexenta, a 4-year-old coached by Massimiliano Narduzzi for Alfiero Mereu, stood out. Staying in contention throughout, Ellenoditrexenta was the only one to maintain a solid position in the heart of the race, finishing fourth. Mak’amera, trailing Ayman in the early stages, finished last, also preceded by Enyeama of Mejlogu, which never became a “factor” in the race.
For Ayman, this was his 8th race in Italy, boasting 3 victories and 3 placings. Notably, Ayman had secured third place in the Milan Jockey Club PSA (Gr. 3) in 2021, first in the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (listed), second in the Milan Jockey Club PSA (Gr. 3) in 2022, and fourth in the Memorial Bebbo Ardu (listed) in 2023. His performance in Milan solidifies his impressive track record.
Milan Jockey Club PSA (Group 3, €44,000, 1800 meters):
1.Ayman(General X Basilic Delios) (56 Mar. Sanna)
2.Lightning Thunder (58 A. Lemaitre)
3.Macho T (56 S. Urru)
margins: 1/2 – 5 – 8. Time: 2.07.3 minutes.
