3 minute read
After the dust has settled 48 hours on from the Epsom Derby, Sam King takes a look back at what happened...
The 2023 Betfred Derby looked set to make the headlines whatever the result with future stars on show and Animal Rising protestors waiting in the wings.
Although one protestor made a beeline onto the track shortly after the race had started the situation was swiftly dealt with and business resumed as usual. When I say business resumed as usual, what I really mean is that the master trainer from Ballydoyle, that man Aidan O'Brien, saddled a record-extending ninth Epsom Derby winner in the shape of Auguste Rodin.
Many had doubted the maestro from Tipperary, me included, with Auguste Rodin heading into the 2023 Epsom Derby off the back as what can only be described as a complete no-show when beaten a staggering twenty-two lengths in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The beautifully-bred son of Deep Impact out of a Galileo's Oaks runner-up Rhododendron certainly had the pedigree for Derby success and it was a performance to match, both on the track and by the trainer. In fact, the only Derby-related training performance I can think of that would resemble anything like this would be when Peter Chapple-Hyam rejuvenated Dr Devious to Epsom Derby glory following a flop in the 1992 Kentucky Derby.
So, what actually happened and how did this remarkable success play out?
In truth, Ryan Moore always looked content with his early position in the middle of the pack with stablemates San Antonio and Adelaide River both cutting out the early running. The sectionals were hardly frantic though and as the pace began to lift there would surely have been a moment of doubt if Auguste Rodin was caught too far back. But no, the son of Deep Impact quickened up smartly to get into contention. With King Of Steel making a sharp beeline for the finish line, Auguste Rodin was forced to quicken not just once but twice. To me, that's the sign of a top-class horse. With Kevin Stott firmly in his sights, Ryan Moore set down into the familiar drive position and the result looked inevitable entering the final 100 yards with Auguste Rodin sweeping on by to score by half a length.
O'Brien went on to add: "Ryan [Moore] said it probably didn't suit him and he'd prefer a lot stronger pace, but he said he had to quicken twice. He's so exciting for us and I feel so grateful. I'm so delighted for his owners, it's a great pleasure for us to have anything to do with him."
Why so important?
With Deep Impact passing nearly four years ago and only a dozen three-year-olds left to represent him around the globe, winning an Epsom Derby with his final crop on the ground is nothing short of remarkable.
O'Brien is no stranger to deflecting his own brilliance elsewhere and perhaps rightfully, he hailed John Magnier's decision to send Rhododendron to Deep Impact for her first cover as an "unbelievable call."
"From the very start, when John [Magnier] and Sue and everyone decided to send Rhododendron to Japan - a maiden mare, to send all the way to Japan to be covered by Deep Impact - it was an unbelievable call. And then when she was scanned in-foal with a colt, and then all the hype of expectations were there straightaway from before he was born. He was measured, measured, measured all the way, and he was ticking the top of the measurements all the way.
"I think this is the most important horse [for Coolmore] ever, because he's out of Rhododendron, who is one of the best, if not the best, Galileo mares, and he's by probably the best Japanese stallion ever, and we know what is after happening with the Japanese breeding, and we know about our own breeding, and he's after connecting the two of them together. This horse has everything - he has temperament, he has movement, he is everything, he has a personality - I think he's the most important horse we've ever had because he's bringing the two continents together, and it's not fake ability, its pure ability, so I think it is so exciting."
What next?
It was no secret that O'Brien was going to attempt the Triple Crown with Auguste Rodin at the beginning of the season but with Newmarket's major disappointment, it's likely the St Leger will be off the cards.
The Irish Derby looks like the obvious option and O'Brien went on to say: "Obviously he will have the Curragh option next, but the lads make those decisions. We tell them in 7-10 days how they are, and they talk between themselves, and then they decide what they want to do. But he came out of Newmarket very well and if he comes out of today as well, it should be that a plan is set, but we'll give him a few days. The Curragh would be an obvious choice for him, but we will see how the horse is and what the lads want to do."
"I'd say he'd have international options, yes - this horse is going to love travelling and he's a pure mile and a quarter, mile and a half horse. The Guineas would have been fine if everything had gone right for him but - and it might be a blessing in disguise, because if he did, we'd be waiting on the Leger and he's free of all that now, free of all the shackles, so the lads can do whatever they want for him."
With bookmakers offering a general 6/1 for Auguste Rodin to head to Doncaster's Classic towards the end of the season, you'd have to say those quotes are more fanciful than anything else at this stage. However, a trip to Paris-Longchamp certainly wouldn't be out of the question while the Coral Eclipse may also be an option in the not-so-distant future.
It remains to be seen whether Auguste Rodin will hit the heights of his sculpting namesake but for now, the world looks to be his oyster.