Trainer Jack Davison confirms ThoroughBid graduate is in “super shape” ahead of his Wokingham Stakes bid at the Royal meeting. 

Cornelius Lysaght caught up with Irish trainer Jack Davison and owner Will Armitage, who acquired a 50% share in Thunderbear ahead of Royal Ascot in 2023 through ThoroughBid’s online sale… 

Group and Listed-winning sprinter, Thunderbear, is set to rattle his way down the famous Ascot straight once again, with connections aiming him for a bid at the Wokingham on the Saturday of Royal Ascot, which is set to be his second appearance at the Royal meeting. 

His first foray at racing’s most prestigious event came in the 2023 Jersey Stakes, after a 50% share in the speedily-bred Kodi Bear gelding was snapped up by Will Armitage for £75,000 in a bespoke pre-Royal Ascot sale put on by ThoroughBid. 

He held his own in a hotly-contest Group 3 Jersey Stakes that year and has since gone on to win the Group 3 World Trophy Stakes at Newbury and the Listed Steels Stakes at Naas, performances that saw his official rating peak at 107. 

“It’s been an amazing journey” said Armitage, “it’s almost three years to the day that we acquired Thunderbear on ThoroughBid, and since then it’s been remarkable. It’s been three years of fun, and an experience I am still excited about and hope there’s more to come.” 

“He’s been a highly exciting horse to own and to experience, he’s quirky but on his day, he can surprise [you]. I’d imagine he’ll get in [to Royal Ascot] close to the bottom of the handicap and have some fun.” 

Now back at a mark of 98, and being kept fresh for a crack at the Wokingham, and trainer Jack Davison hopes he can get amongst some of the £175,000 prize money on offer: 

“He’s in super shape, [I’m] really happy with his two runs this season so far. The ground was very soft at cork the first day and he was always going to need the run as he’s a bigger, stronger, older horse. 

“I am happy with the weight drop, so I’m just going to keep him fresh and happy for Ascot. I think 98 is very workable for him and he’s ground versatile, so that’s the plan, we are going to go for the Wokingham, and I’m sure he’s going to turn up in tip-top shape.” 

All that’s left to say is, go on the Bear!