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| Staff Writer |
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Storm Boy is heading to Ireland after Coolmore announced their talented Australian sprinter will be joining Aidan O'Brien's powerful Ballydoyle operation. The son of Triple Crown hero Justify looks set to target European racing's premier sprint contests in 2024.
Formerly trained by the dynamic partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Storm Boy burst onto the scene with a commanding victory in the Magic Millions Classic, prompting Coolmore to secure a controlling interest. The colt's domestic campaign included a dominant win in the Gr.3 San Domenico Stakes over 1100m, followed by a creditable third in the Gr.1 Golden Slipper.
The move sets up an intriguing prospect of Storm Boy facing fellow Coolmore colour-bearer Switzerland, trained by Chris Waller, who delivered a spectacular performance in Saturday's Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington. Waller has already indicated Royal Ascot ambitions for Switzerland, suggesting potential clashes in races like the King's Stand Stakes or Commonwealth Cup.
Previous winners of the King's Stand Stakes include Australian sprinters Choisir (2003), who went on to place in the July Cup, and Nature Strip (2022), who dominated the race by four and a half lengths before retiring with eight Group One victories to his name.
Speaking via social media platform X, a Coolmore representative stated: "Talented 3YO Storm Boy will travel to Ireland to be trained by Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle, with a view to contesting top sprint races in Europe next season."
Storm Boy's recent form includes a noteworthy fourth, beaten just over half a length, behind Broadsiding in the Gr.1 Golden Rose over 1400m. He further demonstrated his class when finishing within two lengths of form mare Bella Nipotina in The Everest, Australia's richest race with a purse of US$15 million.
The move represents another significant Australian sprinting talent heading to the Northern Hemisphere, following the path of previous stars like Black Caviar and Starspangledbanner, who both achieved success on the international stage.