Auguste Rodin Gains Sixth Group 1 Win In Princes Of Wales’s Stakes
Aidan O’Brien described Auguste Rodin (4c Deep Impact – Rhododendron, by Galileo) as ‘very special’ after the Coolmore homebred provided the Ballydoyle maestro with his 400th Group 1 success in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The son of Deep Impact was sent off favourite with five previous Group 1 wins to his name and raced in fourth as French raider Snobbish set a brisk pace out in front. Making headway from over two furlongs out, he was pushed along to lead a furlong later. He continued to run on well as rivals threw down challenges, going on to win by three parts of a length under Ryan Moore.
Moore was full of praise for Auguste Rodin, saying, “He took me there, going very well, and when I asked him, he really showed great courage. He wanted to win and is a proper horse. He’s been a real good horse and he did everything beautifully – he deserved that.”
“He’s very special,” O’Brien added. On his landmark achievement, he continued, “I’m grateful to everyone who works so hard day in and day out – it’s a big team effort. There’s been so many special days – be it the Derby, Royal Ascot or anywhere – and you have to appreciate these moments if they happen. I never think too far ahead about what could be next. It’s all about staying in the minute and working a day at a time.”
Michael Tabor, who owns Auguste Rodin with Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Westerberg, spoke in a similar vein. “He’s special. He has to be one of the best I’ve owned in my colours. I’ve had some amazing horses, and Montjeu and Thunder Gulch come to mind, and when you have a horse like this you never get tired of it. When he hits the front, it’s just a great feeling.”
Now a six-time Group 1 winner, Auguste Rodin has amassed over €5.5million in earnings and finished in the first two on all but three of his 13 starts. The son of Deep Impact is the first foal out of three-time Group 1 winner Rhododendron (Galileo), herself a full-sister to the top-class race mare Magical (Galileo).