Auguste Rodin demonstrated his remarkable talent at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, securing his sixth Group 1 victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The 4-year-old son of Deep Impact, trained by Aidan O’Brien, prevailed as the 3-2 favourite, earning a guaranteed spot in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, a race he triumphed in last year.
In a thrilling race, Auguste Rodin fended off strong challenges from French contenders Zarakem (33-1) and Horizon Dore (7-1), winning by three-quarters of a length. This victory marks O'Brien's fifth win in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, adding to his successes with Duke of Marmalade (2008), So You Think (2012), Highland Reel (2017), and Love (2021).
Jockey Ryan Moore praised Auguste Rodin, stating, “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.”
Inspiral, the 9-2 second favourite and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner, had a disappointing start, dwelling in the starting stalls and ultimately finishing sixth. As the race progressed, Auguste Rodin took the lead from pacemakers Snobbish and Hans Andersen. Despite late surges from Zarakem and Horizon Dore, they could not overcome Auguste Rodin, who completed the 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.12 on a course rated good to firm.
Aidan O’Brien hinted at a possible return to the Breeders’ Cup, possibly for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on dirt at Del Mar. “The Breeders’ Cup is where everyone wants to be in the autumn," he said, "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 working out now.”
Looking ahead to Del Mar, O’Brien expressed his admiration for the venue: “Del Mar is beautiful down by the sea. Every Breeders’ Cup day is special. There is so much history, so much prestige. They are days that you can’t replace.”
In addition to his latest win and the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf, Auguste Rodin’s impressive record includes victories in the Epsom Derby (G1), the Irish Derby (G1), and the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) last year.