Fabulous effort in Guineas by Lightning Thunder

A first Classic runner for Olly and Hetta Stevens of Robins Farm Racing, Lightning Thunder carried the colours of Mohammed Al Kubasi and Pearl Bloodstock. A daughter of Dutch Art out of the Mujahid mare Sweet Coincidence, she was bought by David Redvers Bloodstock as a breeze-up horse at last year's Tattersalls Craven Sale.

Jockey Harry Bentley, who has ridden Lightning Thunder in all her five races, kept the filly just off the pace in midfield of today's 17-runner field, then asked her for a final effort just before the furlong marker. She put in a strong run, but could not quite peg back the winner, who is trained by Andre Fabre and was ridden by Maxime Guyon.

Stevens said: "She has run a wonderful race and we've always thought the world of this filly from the time she was bought. She's run a huge race and we're delighted.

"She's a big, strong girl and we took care of her over the winter. As for her next target, we will see how she comes out of it and discuss it with the team.

"I thought she was going to run down Miss France but she just couldn't quite get to her. Miss France is 2-0 against us and it would be lovely to meet her again in the Coronation Stakes or something like that."

He added: "She's in the Irish 1000 Guineas but that race might come a bit too soon. She runs well fresh. We'll have to see how she is, but if it's a case of going straight to the Coronation, I've no problem at all with that - I'm happy to do it. We had a fairly good line on Miss France this time and we can do it again.

"I'd never have dreamed I would have horses of this quality so soon. It's the stuff of dreams."

Racing UK cameras recently visited Robins Farm to interview Olly - subscribers to the satellite channel can click on this link to view
http://www.racinguk.com/video/watch/this-racing-life-olly-stevens-yard-visit