9-2 Auguste Rodin triumphs in the 244th Epsom Derby
9-2 Auguste Rodin triumphs in the 244th Epsom Derby to hand Aidan O’Brien his ninth win at the showpiece event… as 66-1 outsider King of Steel finishes second and White Birch third
- Auguste Rodin claimed victory in the 2023 Epsom Derby on Saturday afternoon
- The win marks trainer Aidan O’Brien’s ninth triumph in premier flat racing event
- Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori finished tenth with Arrest in his final derby
Auguste Rodin showed his class at Epsom with an exceptional display to run down King Of Steel and provide Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending ninth victory in the Betfred Derby.
Described by the Ballydoyle handler as a ‘collector’s item’ prior to the premier Classic, the son of Deep Impact had a point to prove having been bitterly disappointing when favourite for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Despite that he was still popular with backers ahead of the blue riband and having been sent off at 9-2 in the hands of Ryan Moore he set about tackling the undulations of the Surrey Downs from stall 10.
Settled in mid-division as stablemates San Antonio and Adelaide River dictated terms up front, with Frankie Dettori in his final Derby aboard Arrest and Sir Michael Stoute’s Passenger also close by, Moore was content to let the action unfold as Kevin Stott aboard the 66-1 outsider King Of Steel made an audacious bid for home after rounding Tattenham Corner.
However, Roger Varian’s imposing runner soon had a target on his back and with Auguste Rodin eating into King Of Steel’s advantage with every stride, the highly-regarded colt was soon powering his way to pass that rival to give Moore his third Derby victory.
9/2 Auguste Rodin took over outsider King Of Steel on the final straight to win the 2023 Epsom Derby
Victory marks jockey Ryan Moore’s third Epsom Derby win and trainer Aidan O’Brien’s fourth
O’Brien said: ‘All the people in Coolmore have made this happen – this is a total homebred horse. It’s all credit to them to make this happen every day. He came with a massive reputation as a beautiful horse but he kept stepping up to all the markers all the way, which is very unusual.
‘He’s totally unique – he’s out of one of the greatest Galileo mares (Rhododendron) by the greatest stallion ever in Japan. I can’t tell you, he’s totally unique.
‘Ryan said it probably didn’t suit him, he would have preferred a lot stronger pace but he said he had to quicken twice, so obviously he’s so exciting for us.
‘I feel so grateful and so delighted for all the lads, everyone. It’s a great pleasure for us.’
But the legendary Frankie Dettori could only manage tenth at Epsom Downs Racecourse
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