Exciting season ahead for Aidan O’Brien's dual Derby victor.
Auguste Rodin, a dual Derby champion under the tutelage of Aidan O’Brien, is gearing up for a thrilling season ahead with a voyage to Dubai in the cards for the prestigious Sheema Classic, signalling a transition to a diverse turf and dirt campaign.
Bred from the illustrious Deep Impact lineage and born to the multiple Group One victor Rhododendron, Auguste Rodin showcased the calibre of his bloodline by clinching both the Derby and Irish Derby titles in the previous season. The four-year-old further solidified his prowess by claiming another Group One triumph at Leopardstown during the Irish Champion Stakes, before embarking on a triumphant journey to Santa Anita, where he outshone a competitive field to secure victory in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Amidst deliberations regarding his future – a potential retirement to stud or continued racing – the decision was made by his team to keep him in training, displaying their commitment to further sporting achievements. Following a well-deserved winter hiatus, Auguste Rodin is poised to make his return on the grand stage of the Sheema Classic, a prestigious race covering a mile and a half at the renowned Dubai World Cup event in Meydan, scheduled for late March.
Preparations for his upcoming endeavours saw Auguste Rodin undergo a training session on the all-weather track at Dundalk before his departure, marking the beginning of a turf-oriented campaign with plans to explore the possibility of competing on a dirt track in the future. Aidan O’Brien, who will also be overseeing Luxembourg and Tower Of London's participation in Saudi Arabia, outlined the blueprint for Auguste Rodin, stating,
"The Sheema Classic is our immediate goal, followed by potential appearances at the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prince of Wales's Stakes in Ascot. Subsequently, we may consider testing his mettle on a dirt surface. The versatility of these exceptional horses allows us to push the boundaries and delve into new territories".
Reflecting on the recent workout at Dundalk, O’Brien remarked,
"Auguste Rodin delivered a stellar performance during his session, covering a mile and a quarter alongside three other horses. We are now focused on his preparations for Dubai, adhering to our structured plan for his progression".