Leading Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has revealed that Thunder Snow, the impressive winner of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan at the end of March, could make his European return in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville, France on August 12.

“We are planning to take Thunder Snow to the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park (New York) on September 29, ” he said, “but we want to give him a race in Europe first.

“That could be the Prix Jacques le Marois.”

Concern had been growing around the four-year-old colt after he had not run again since his stunning World Cup triumph, but bin Suroor was quick to ease the fears.

“Thunder Snow is fine – he just needed a break,” he said.

“The ultimate target this year is the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs on November 3.”