He was sired by Dubawi, a top-class son of Dubai Millennium, whose wins included the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Prix Jacques Le Marois.

At stud, Dubawi has been a highly successful breeding stallion, siring major winners such as Monterosso, Al Kazeem, Makfi, Lucky Nine, and Poet's Voice.

[3] Night of Thunder entered into the ownership of Saeed Manana and was sent into training with Richard Hannon Sr. at East Everleigh in Wiltshire.

Night of Thunder tracked the leader, Astaire, for most of the race and moved up to dispute the lead approaching the final furlong.

Night of Thunder overtook Kingman inside the final furlong but then veered sharply to the left across the wide Newmarket straight.

Night of Thunder did not return until Royal Ascot, where he started 3/1 second favourite behind Kingman for the St James's Palace Stakes on 18 June.

[6] On 5 July, the colt was moved up in distance and matched against older horses for the first time in the Eclipse Stakes over ten furlongs at Sandown Park Racecourse.

He started the 7/2 second favourite but after reaching fourth place in the straight, he weakened in the closing stages and finished eighth of the nine runners behind Mukhadram.

On 18 October, Night of Thunder met Charm Spirit again in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and started 2/1 favourite in a field which also included Integral, Toormore and Kingsbarns.

Night of Thunder held off the late run of Toormore to win by a neck with Arod taking third ahead of Integral.