Gutsy Auguste Rodin gives Aidan a landmark 400th Group 1 winner

Auguste Rodin produced a gutsy display to win the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes and in doing so became Aidan O’Brien’s 400th Group/Grade 1 winner on the flat.

It’s a sixth Group 1 for the son of Deep Impact, who had to dig deep a furlong out to deny a duo of French raiders. It seemed a quicker pace than anticipated with Snobbish and Hans Anderson keeping up a strong gallop. The favourite, Auguste Rodin, was settled in midfield under Ryan Moore and with the pair turning in at fourth place, Moore pressed go.

The Coolmore star kicked on and hit the front with ease and at the two furlong pole, the race looked over, but with Zarakem and Horizon Dore challenging, Moore and Auguste Rodin found more to come out on top.

We’re so delighted for everybody

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Auguste Rodin, but 2023’s Betfred Derby winner looks back to his best, much to the delight of his trainer, who said: “We’re so delighted for everybody,” said O’Brien, who was winning his 400th Group/Grade 1 on the Flat. “He’s a very special horse and he gets a mile and half very well. 

“When he gets to the front he waits so I was probably getting my instructions wrong all the time. I was riding him too far back and if there was no pace he was too far out of the race. We changed everything and Ryan said he was going to be positive on him. I feel the blips were my fault, the instructions were wrong.”

Jockey Ryan Moore, who’s drew level with Frankie Dettori on Royal Ascot wins, said:

However, Moore was full of praise of the four-year-old, and said: “He’s a great little horse. A few times it hasn’t happened and there’s been reasons every time – it’s been first runs, and the King George [last season] maybe coming after a hard run in both Derbies. 

“People are always very quick to knock horses. We kept the Derby winner in training and everyone, as soon as they get beat, they want to have a go at you, and as soon as you send them away [to stud] they have a pop at that – you can never keep people happy. 

“He took me there going very well and was waiting for me to ask him [for his effort]. When I did he showed great courage and put his head down and wanted to win. He’s a fantastic horse, a proper horse. He’s been a real good horse and he deserved that.”