Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore team have decided to roll the dice and keep Derby hero Auguste Rodin in training as a 4-year-old in a daring move that adds an exciting extra layer of intrigue to the 2024 flat season.
Auguste Rodin put the finishing touches to a terrific 3-year-old campaign at Santa Anita Park Nov. 4 when providing his trainer with a record-breaking seventh victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T).
That was supposed to be his swansong as he was widely expected to begin his new career as a stallion in 2024, but O’Brien gave racing fans the news they all wanted to hear on Monday when announcing he would race on at 4.
O’Brien described the decision as “hugely exciting” and said that all the top races will be open to Auguste Rodin in 2024, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on dirt after he spoke of his surprise at how well he handled the surface in the build-up to his Breeders’ Cup triumph.
Speaking to the Racing Post, O’Brien said: “The lads have decided to keep Auguste Rodin in training. We’re very much looking forward to having him racing again next year and it’s hugely exciting.
“He’s a unique horse, a one-off, and the lads are enjoying their racing more than ever at the moment. It’s unbelievable for us and everyone else, for everyone who follows racing.”
When asked whether the Breeders’ Cup Classic might be on his radar in 2024, the trainer replied: “Oh, Janey, it’s a long way away but the only thing I can say at this stage is that any race is open to him.”
He added: “Anything from a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half is open to him, he seems to be very comfortable over those sort of trips and it’s very exciting to have him back next year.
“He came back from Santa Anita in great shape and everyone is delighted with him. He came out of the race in super shape and he’s bouncing. He’ll have a rest now and we’ll bring him back early next year.”
It seemed highly likely Auguste Rodin would be retired to stud after his sizzling show at Santa Anita, with O’Brien saying last week that the son of Deep Impact and Rhododendron was already attracting the attention of breeders.
The trainer said: “I do know how important he is to the breed. He’s a unique horse, a complete one-off. I know a lot of breeders are looking for him and I know the lads are under pressure that way. He brings the two continents together and there won’t ever be another one of him.”
But racing fans can now look forward to seeing Auguste Rodin for another season as a 4-year-old, with O’Brien even suggesting there may be more to come from him on the track next year.
He said: “He looks like a horse who could be even more exciting next year so we’re all looking forward to it.”
