O'Brien "delighted" as Derby winner Auguste Rodin stays in training

Aidan O’Brien is excited by the prospect of training Auguste Rodin as a four-year-old after he confirmed the dual Derby and Breeders’ Cup winner is to stay in training.

Following his exploits at Santa Anita in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, many expected the Deep Impact colt would head off to stud given how valuable he would be as a son of the great Japanese stallion.

However, the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, along with partner Georg Von Opel’s Westerberg operation, have given O’Brien the go-ahead to think about next year with him and the Ballydoyle handler is understandably delighted.

“It’s a big decision and we’re obviously absolutely delighted,” said O’Brien to the PA news agency.

“He covers a lot of bases; he’s a multiple Group One winner over 10 furlongs and a mile and a half, so he’s versatile, so it’s just going to be great to have him again.

“Obviously, the first thing is for him to have a little rest, he had a long season, then we’ll see about where he will start off.”

When asked if a Breeders’ Cup Classic bid would be his ultimate aim next season, O’Brien said: “Obviously, all the races will be open to him and we’ll just see how he gets on.”

Additionally speaking to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, O'Brien added: "I suppose he's a unique horse, a once off, and I think the lads [Magnier, Tabor and Smith] are really enjoying their racing more then ever before and he looks like a horse that could be even more again next year.

"It's unbelievable for us and I think everybody else, I think everyone in racing and everyone that values racing and values racehorses, so it's really the perfect result for all of us."

How Auguste Rodin came out of his Breeders' Cup Turf triumph last week was "one of the biggest factors" in the decision to keep the colt in training, according to O'Brien.

"He came out of the race super and he is absolutely bouncing since he came back, so all the dots just joined up and kind of happened really.

"First of all obviously we have to give him a little rest now which we always would do, especially with a three-year-old to have had the season that he has had, and then we start back then and see where it brings us really.

"But I think every race is open to him next year really."

On the possibility of at a tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic on the dirt next year, the trainer added: "Every race is open to him, but we were very surprised by the way he was floating around with the horses on the dirt in his works. He was finding it totally effortless. It will definitely be an option for him but we'll see, but it was unusual when you watch his canters."

Auguste Rodin’s season began in disappointing circumstances, finishing tailed off in the 2000 Guineas, but O’Brien worked his magic to get him back in top form for the Derby at Epsom, beating King Of Steel.

He was then more workmanlike in the Irish Derby at the Curragh before again disappointing at Ascot in the King George, only for him to bounce back once again in the Irish Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs.

Ryan Moore then earned plenty of plaudits for the ride which he gave Auguste Rodin at the Breeders’ Cup, saving every yard on the inside rail before quickening clear.