Auguste Rodin Back To Brilliant Best In Epsom Derby

Auguste Rodin (3c Deep Impact - Rhododendron, by Galileo) lived up to the great expectations of Aidan O’Brien when providing the Ballydoyle maestro with a record-extending ninth Epsom Derby win on Saturday.

O’Brien made no secret of the high esteem in which he held Auguste Rodin, whose two-year-old career included wins at Group 1 and Group 2 level. Disappointing in the 2,000 Guineas on return, the son of Deep Impact stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time at Epsom, where he raced in midfield for much of the way under Ryan Moore. Switched right to make headway from three furlongs out, he was ridden to take second after the two furlong pole and stayed on strongly to mow down King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett) close home, (leading by half a length on the line). The pair drew four lengths and three quarters clear of the field.

The compliments O’Brien previously paid to Auguste Rodin held greater weight on Saturday, his faith vindicated. “He was very special as a two-year-old,” he said. “His movement was so good; spectacular. It's very different and we always felt he was the most special horse we've had in Ballydoyle.”

Auguste Rodin is owned by Coolmore partners and Westerberg, and connections were keen to praise the winning trainer. “He's a genius,” said Michael Tabor. “His record speaks for itself. He produces the animal on the day to get the maximum of their ability. It's not just once or twice, he regularly does it and that in itself speaks volumes of the genius he is.”

Coolmore bred Auguste Rodin out of Rhododendron (Galileo), herself a three-time Group 1 winner who finished a gallant second in the Epsom Oaks, despite not seeing out the trip.