Experience the historic farewell of Auguste Rodin at the Japan Cup, where European excellence meets Japanese heritage, as Aidan O’Brien’s champion seeks to etch his name alongside racing legends in a thrilling finale.
In the distinguished realm of horse racing, few goodbyes are as heartfelt as the farewell scheduled for Auguste Rodin at Tokyo Racecourse this Sunday. This five-time Group 1 champion, trained by the renowned Aidan O’Brien, is preparing to exit the scene in the esteemed Japan Cup, a fitting conclusion for a colt whose ancestry and accomplishments have captured the imagination of the international racing community. Regardless of the outcome, the post-race celebration will honor a horse whose career represents the blending of European brilliance and Japanese tradition.
This farewell holds added significance, as Auguste Rodin is the offspring of Deep Impact, widely regarded as Japan's finest thoroughbred and the champion of the 2006 Japan Cup. While the impact of Deep Impact on Japanese racing remains unmatched, Auguste Rodin aims to forge a new path. No descendant of Deep Impact trained outside of Japan has ever competed on Japanese turf, making this an occasion rich in historical and cultural meaning. A win would secure his place among Deep Impact's other Japan Cup-winning offspring, including Shanon Pandora (2015) and the remarkable Gentildonna, who claimed victory in both 2012 and 2013.
For O'Brien, this event signifies more than just a farewell; it is an opportunity to conclude a 20-year quest for Japan Cup success. The Ballydoyle trainer first participated in the race in 2003 with Powerscourt, who placed 10th. Since that time, his best result has been Idaho's fifth-place finish in 2017. Now, with Auguste Rodin, O'Brien has a horse that embodies both his relentless ambition and a chance to celebrate the profound connection between European racing and Japanese culture.
As the AU$10.7 million event approaches, O’Brien has conveyed his appreciation for the enthusiastic welcome Auguste Rodin has received from fans in Japan. “It’s truly remarkable,” O’Brien stated. “We’ve been struck by the respect shown by the Japanese public towards Auguste Rodin. His lineage, being sired by Deep Impact, adds to his uniqueness, and we feel honored to take part in this race and witness the immense admiration of the Japanese racing community.”
Nonetheless, the challenge ahead is significant. Although this year's Japan Cup does not feature standout competitors like Equinox, Almond Eye, or Kitasan Black, the local field is rich with talent. Cirvinia, a prominent filly, and Do Deuce, who recently claimed victory in the Tenno Sho, are set to offer serious competition. "Winning this race would be a dream," O'Brien confessed. "We have faced defeats in these races multiple times, and it's their competitive nature that makes them so remarkable. Securing a win would be extraordinary, but we never take such opportunities for granted."
Auguste Rodin arrives at the Japan Cup following a second-place finish in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes, which came after he placed fifth behind his rival Goliath at Ascot in July. His most recent win was at Royal Ascot in June, where he secured the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. With Ryan Moore riding, a jockey who has previously won the Japan Cup twice with Gentildonna (2013) and Vela Azul (2022), the team behind Auguste Rodin is hopeful that both his current form and Moore's experience will give them an edge as they start from barrier eight in the field of 14 horses.
As Auguste Rodin's career comes to a close, his story represents the increasingly strong connection between European and Japanese horse racing. A win in Tokyo would not only mark the pinnacle of a remarkable career but also stand as evidence of O'Brien's relentless quest for greatness. No matter the result, Auguste Rodin's concluding chapter is set to be a tribute to talent, heritage, and the enduring charm of global competition.
