Days Of Thunder Retires On A High Note

OWNER Clint Gill and trainer Warren Nicholls were adamant … there would be no comebacks for Days Of Thunder.

The Queenslanders were as happy as if they had won the Group 1 National Distance (730m) at The Meadows on Saturday night rather than have finished a game third behind Palawa King.

“We could not be happier,” said Clint.

“To go out like this is wonderful.

“Let's hope she now produces one half as good as herself.”

Days Of Thunder (Fernando Bale-Melissa's Pride) retires after 68 starts for 19 wins and 20 placings for stakes of $336,000.

Warren knew the bitch was ready to “run a race” when all week long she was a different story to the Days Of Thunder on previous trips to Melbourne.

“In the past she has become a recluse,” he said.

“The first day we arrived at Anthony Azzopardi's kennels, she curled up and didn't want to know anyone.

“But, after that she was barking and running around the empty-out yards.

“I was sending Clint videos of her all week she had settled in that well.”

Days Of Thunder put herself into the final in the back straight and fought on gamely for third, beaten just under three lengths.

“After the race, all night Clint was getting texts to say we should not retire her,” said Warren.

“But, we will not be doing a John Farnham. She will stay retired.

“Now the task will be to find another one.

“It's pretty good being in these Group races.

“The night at The Meadows was great. We could get very used to this.

“A comeback will not happen. We already have the pink card ordered.”