‘White Wonder' To Farewell Racing In Nationals

QUEENSLAND staying star Days Of Thunder will be retired after she competes in the Group 1 National Distance Grand Final at The Meadows on Saturday week.

Owner Clint Gill, and trainer Warren Nicholls announced this today for the bitch so appropriately nicknamed on track as “the white wonder”.

“Warren and I discussed it and we thought there is no better way to go out,” said Clint today.

Days Of Thunder (Fernando Bale-Melissa's Pride) goes into Saturday week's Group 1 final with a record of 67 starts for 19 wins, 19 placings and career earnings (to date) of $324,000.

“My only aim for her when I bought her,” said Clint. “Was for her to make a Group final.

“She has far exceeded that for us.”

As well as the state final of the Nationals (twice), Days Of Thunder has won the G3 Origin  Distance, G3 Super Stayers, Chairman's Cup.

She has been third in the G1 Qld Cup, Clem Jones Cup and a finalist in the G1 National Distance (twice), G1 Topgun Stayers, twice a G3 Gold Cup finalist at Albion Park and again a finalist in the G3 Origin Distance and Clem Jones Cup.

“The timing feels right,” said Clint.

“She will be going out on a winning high at Albion Park and in a Group 1 final for her very last race.

2023 Queensland Distance Championship 710m

1st: Days Of Thunder (2)
2nd: Select Moment (3)
3rd: Bogie Hurricane (6)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @MMcInallyPhotos @MelbourneGreys pic.twitter.com/0JnEyV8iB4

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) August 10, 2023

“Yes, it will be emotional for us on the final night.

“But, we believe there is no better way for her to finish.”

Days Of Thunder is a 23.5kg dynamo with a fan base following her storming finishes at the end of 710m races.

Clint said he and Warren will let her miss on her first season, but he is considering future matings to Aston Rupee, Shima Shine or Hooked On Scotch.

“She's from the Cindeen Shelby damline and that is fantastic for her future as a broodbitch,” said Clint.