TOP 5: AUGUSTE RODIN (IRE)

Auguste Rodin is an Irish-bred marvel, a living ode to equine excellence, who carries the legacy of the legendary Deep Impact. At the same time, his dam, Rhododendron, infuses him with the spirit of Galileo. He was named after the famed French sculptor, a name that resonates with the artistry and drama of the legendary sculptor.

In June 2022, the curtains rose on Auguste Rodin’s captivating narrative, where his inaugural performance, though marked by a second-place finish, sparkled with the promise of unfolding epics, heralding a symphony of future victories. He painted his legacy with swift, victorious strokes, clinching top honors in a series of races and etching his name as a leading light among Europe’s juveniles. He dazzled the crowds, securing the Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes and the illustrious Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes with flair and finesse.

The 2023 season beckoned with the promise of greatness, yet the tale took an unexpected twist. The 2000 Guineas saw our colt adrift, finishing a baffling 12th at the 2000 Guineas. However, like a maestro reclaiming the melody, Auguste Rodin made a glorious comeback, triumphing at both the Epsom Derby and the Irish Derby, his luminescence unclouded and determination steadfast.

The suspense escalated at Ascot’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. He was cloaked in high expectations, and the event was supposed to be his crowning moment. The event started great, and the horse entered the gate with a powerful look. He looked magnificent and did everything great; hence, he was the favorite of the race. Yet again, it turned into a puzzler when he finished last. He suddenly dropped off in power during the race and cannot decipher how Auguste Rodin’s power just disappeared, and his legs softened. Ryan did the right thing and did not take any chances when he felt the power of Auguste Rodin was disappearing, as, for some reason, the power did disappear. It left the racing connoisseurs pondering over this enigmatic hiccup.

However, the chronicle of Auguste Rodin was far from concluding. Like the masterpieces of his namesake, he returned to the limelight with commanding wins at the Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Turf. His awe-inspiring resurgence at the Longines Breeders’ Cup was a masterpiece of strategy and skill, a thrilling chase from the rear that culminated in a triumphant surge by three-quarters of a length. A victory that didn’t just salvage his honor; it added a golden layer to his legacy.

With career earnings nearing five million dollars and a record of spectacular victories and heart-wrenching defeats, Auguste Rodin’s journey is narrative-rich with the essence of horse racing’s unpredictable drama. As he prepares to grace the tracks as a 4-year-old in the 2024 season, the racing world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in the saga of this equine virtuoso, whose every stride is a brushstroke on the canvas of Thoroughbred greatness.