Auguste Rodin Secures Sixth Group 1 Victory at Royal Ascot
In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Auguste Rodin, the son of the legendary Deep Impact, claimed his sixth Group 1 triumph on Wednesday at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting. The 4-year-old colt, trained by the renowned Aidan O’Brien, emerged victorious in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, cementing his status as one of the top racehorses in the world.
Sent off as the 3-2 favorite, Auguste Rodin fended off a spirited challenge from the French duo of 33-1 shot Zarakem and 7-1 Horizon Dore, securing a three-quarter-length victory. This triumph represents O’Brien’s fifth win in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, with Auguste Rodin joining an esteemed list of previous champions, including Duke of Marmalade, So You Think, Highland Reel, and Love.
“He’s a great horse. He took me there going very well, and when I asked him, he showed great courage and he wanted to win,” said jockey Ryan Moore, who guided Auguste Rodin to victory.
The victory also secures Auguste Rodin’s guaranteed return to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, a race he won in impressive fashion last year. Trainer Aidan O’Brien hinted at the possibility of a Breeders’ Cup Classic appearance on the dirt at Del Mar, saying:
“The Breeders’ Cup is where everyone wants to be in the autumn. Hopefully, everything is well with Auguste Rodin in the autumn, that’s where we’ll be if he is. The lads (owners) will decide what they want to do. I was very surprised when he worked on the dirt (last year at Santa Anita) at how he handled it. He can do anything really, but we’re more confident we have him worked out now.”
In addition to Wednesday’s triumph and the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf victory, Auguste Rodin’s impressive racing résumé includes the Epsom Derby (G1), the Irish Derby (G1), and the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) from his 2022 campaign.
With his sixth Group 1 success and the potential for further glory at the prestigious Breeders’ Cup, Auguste Rodin has firmly cemented his place as one of the superstars of the equine world, captivating the hearts of horse racing enthusiasts worldwide.
🔗 Source