Auguste Rodin’s final bow in Japan Cup before historic retirement

Champion colt Auguste Rodin will make his final race appearance in Sunday’s $11 million Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) before retiring to stud at Coolmore.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the four-year-old seeks to emulate his sire Deep Impact, who won the Japan Cup in 2006, becoming the fifth of his progeny to claim the prestigious race.

In a historic move, the Japan Racing Association will host a retirement ceremony for Auguste Rodin at Tokyo Racecourse, making him the first foreign horse to receive this honor.

“We are really amazed how respectful the Japanese public are of Auguste Rodin,” O’Brien said, as an estimated 100,000 fans are expected to attend.

This marks O’Brien’s seventh attempt at the Japan Cup, with Auguste Rodin hailed as his best chance yet.

“We’ve tried it before but never with a horse as good as this,” O’Brien admitted.

Jockey Ryan Moore, a two-time Japan Cup winner, will pilot Auguste Rodin, aiming to secure the first international victory in the race since 2005.

Auguste Rodin is an $8 chance with betting sites to win the Japan Cup 2024.