Auguste Rodin Honoured With Retirement Ceremony Following Japan Cup Disappointment

The celebrated thoroughbred Auguste Rodin, a six-time Group 1 winner, has officially concluded his illustrious racing career with a retirement ceremony held after his final race at the Japan Cup.

The iconic event, staged before over 100,000 fans, marked the end of an era for the son of Deep Impact, who now transitions to a new chapter as a stud.

Despite high hopes, his Japan Cup swan song resulted in a disappointing eighth-place finish, leaving many reflecting on both his legacy and his future role in breeding.

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A Farewell Race That Fell Short

Ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, Auguste Rodin began the 2024 Japan Cup with a solid start but was unable to sustain the momentum needed to secure a higher place.

The race ultimately belonged to Do Deuce, who delivered a stunning performance, storming from last to first.

Guided by the legendary jockey Yutaka Take, Do Deuce claimed victory in two minutes and 25.5 seconds.

For European hopes, the race proved challenging, with none making a significant impact. Goliath was the pick of the European runners, but he had to settle for sixth place.

Rodin’s eighth-place finish further extended Ireland's Japan Cup drought, last broken in 1983 by Stanerra, owned by Frank Dunne.

Fran Berry, reflecting on Auguste Rodin's performance, remarked:

“Maybe the writing was on the wall.

“He didn’t seem to operate at all having had a good trip following [eventual fourth] Cervinia and with the winner in his slipstream.”

Do Deuce's Commanding Victory

Do Deuce’s commanding performance in the Japan Cup added a fifth Grade 1 title to his resume, reinforcing his reputation as one of Japan’s finest racehorses.

His victories now include the Tenno Sho, Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), and Arima Kinen.

Jockey Yutaka Take has been the driving force behind each of these wins, a partnership often described as one of the most fruitful in modern racing.

Fran Berry further commented on Do Deuce's development as a competitor:

“He'd arguably been frustrating as a four-year-old and hard to win with, but this autumn he's been awesome and he's really coming of age as a five-year-old by Heart's Cry.

“At the age of five and given what he's done this year – and being a Japanese Derby winner as a three-year-old – I don't think he has a lot more to prove.”

Auguste Rodin’s Stellar Career

While his final outing may not have met expectations, Auguste Rodin's overall career is nothing short of remarkable.

The bay colt, trained by Aidan O’Brien, became a household name in the racing world through his consistency and victories in prestigious races.

Some of his career highlights include:

• Derby Wins: His triumphs in both the Epsom and Irish Derbies solidified his reputation as a top-tier performer.
• Breeders’ Cup Turf: A crowning moment in his career came when he clinched this international title, showcasing his ability to perform on a global stage.
• Multiple Group 1 Wins: In addition to these marquee races, Auguste Rodin secured a total of six Group 1 victories, demonstrating his versatility across different tracks and distances.

His achievements have placed him among the most successful sons of Deep Impact, whose influence on the thoroughbred racing world remains unparalleled. Auguste Rodin now hopes to continue his sire’s legacy through his new career at stud.

A Historic Honour for a Foreign Contender

Auguste Rodin’s retirement ceremony was a momentous occasion, as he became the first foreign horse to receive such an honour in Japan.

Typically reserved for local champions, this gesture underscores the respect he garnered internationally and within Japan's racing circles.

The ceremony was attended by thousands of fans, a testament to Rodin’s widespread appeal. His presence in the Japan Cup marked a significant moment for Irish racing, though it fell short of delivering the victory his supporters had hoped for.

Japan Cup 2024: Key Takeaways

The 2024 Japan Cup was a race filled with drama and unexpected turns. Do Deuce, the 11-5 favourite, justified his odds with a breathtaking performance, beating Shin Emperor and Durezza in a closely contested finish.

Auguste Rodin, priced at 12-1, began promisingly but could not sustain the pace in the final stretch.

The Japan Cup remains an elusive prize for European competitors, with the last win coming in 2005 courtesy of Alkaased for trainer Luca Cumani.

For Irish racing, the drought extends even further, to Stanerra’s victory in 1983.

Looking Ahead

As Auguste Rodin transitions to stud, his legacy will continue through his progeny, with breeders and fans eagerly anticipating his impact on future generations of racehorses.

Meanwhile, Do Deuce’s imminent retirement sparks discussions about his place among the greats of Japanese racing.

Auguste Rodin may not have ended his career on a high note, but his contributions to the sport are undeniable.

His Derby wins, Breeders’ Cup triumph and multiple Group 1 victories ensure his name will be remembered as one of the finest of his generation.

With his retirement marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, the racing world will watch with anticipation as he begins his new role in shaping the champions of tomorrow.

The Japan Cup 2024 was a reminder of the highs and lows of horse racing—a sport where victory and disappointment are often separated by the narrowest of margins.

Yet, even in defeat, champions like Auguste Rodin leave a lasting legacy, inspiring the next wave of equine excellence.