By Brian Sheerin
It may be November but Aidan O'Brien has already whet the appetite for next season by announcing that dual Derby and Breeders' Cup winner Auguste Rodin will stay in training as a four-year-old.
Auguste Rodin capped off a brilliant campaign with a sensational success in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita under an inspired Ryan Moore just over a week ago.
It was viewed by many as the perfect swansong by the coveted son of Deep Impact but, when Auguste Rodin did not feature on the list of stallion fees published by Coolmore recently, tongues were sent wagging.
Indeed, O'Brien confirmed on Monday morning that Auguste Rodin's stallion duties will be put on hold for another year, and agreed that the colt was up there with the most exciting older horses ever to stay in training at Ballydoyle.
O'Brien told TDN Europe, “We're obviously delighted. The lads had to see that he came back okay from the Breeders' Cup and then they made their decision. It's brilliant for us all, really.”
Auguste Rodin has won seven of his 10 starts. Along with his Derby triumphs at Epsom and the Curragh, he also landed the prestigious G1 Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown. All told, Auguste Rodin's Group 1 tally stands at five with promise of more to come.
Asked if it was fair to describe Auguste Rodin as one of the most exciting older horses to stay in training at Ballydoyle, O'Brien added, “I think that's right. This is a unique, once-off horse and the lads are very conscious of that. They love racing and, as I said, he's only a once-off and there won't ever be another one like Auguste Rodin. He's very exciting with a view towards next year.”
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