Aidan O’Brien’s star horse Auguste Rodin is all set to receive a special send-off as he makes his final racecourse appearance on Sunday. This six-time Group 1 winner and 2023 Epsom Derby victor is set to retire to Coolmore Stud in Ireland after competing in the £5.5 million Japan Cup in Tokyo. In Japan, it has become a tradition to celebrate great champions when they reach the end of their racing careers with ceremonies on the racecourse in front of the nation’s passionate racing fans. As a son of the late Deep Impact, a superstar both on the track and as a stallion in Japan, Auguste Rodin has a unique connection to the country.

Honouring a Global Racing Icon

To mark this momentous occasion of his last racecourse appearance, the racecourse has bestowed upon him the honour of his own retirement ceremony. This will be the first time a horse from overseas will be celebrated in such a manner. Trainer Jamie Snowden is hoping for a repeat of success as he prepares his stable for the Coral Gold Cup. Four young jockeys were banned after gifting a huge lead to a 22-length winner, adding an interesting twist to the racing scene.

Training and Preparation

O’Brien has arrived in Tokyo where he watched Auguste Rodin, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore on Sunday, go through his training. He said, "He did a lovely seven furlongs on the grass this morning—just to show him the track and he looked comfortable. Rachel [Richardson] was happy with him, Patrick [Keating], who takes care of him said he came back to the barn in good condition, and we’re all pleased with how he is. He’s a horse that has speed and class, has long strides and big actions and is great at the mile and a half distance, so I think the course here at Tokyo and the Japan Cup will suit him." O’Brien is visiting Japan for the first time and expressed, "There is a spirit of hospitality here, and I felt at home from the moment I arrived."

Racing Rivals

Among the opposition to Auguste Rodin will be France’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Goliath and Fantastic Moon, which is trained in Germany. Both also went through their paces on Wednesday. Goliath’s trainer Francis Graffard said, "The horse is in good form and we are very satisfied with how he ran on the turf course this morning. This year after winning the King George, we concentrated on preparing him for the Japan Cup. I think he’s the best horse I’ve brought here so far and have been very much looking forward to coming to Japan." His jockey Christophe Soumillon added, "The horse looks stronger than he did back home. This morning, Le Nomade led and they ran smoothly in a good pace. The turf condition is not bad and since he does well on softer ground, I’m hoping that it stays the same up to Sunday. You need a good horse with speed and the stamina to sustain that speed to win the Japan Cup. We are here with Goliath because we have the confidence that he will perform well."