Reputation restored as Auguste Rodin shines in The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes
Going into the race the dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin had to put behind him a disappointing run at Ascot and speaking to Racing TV after the race jockey Ryan Moore praised the work done by trainer Aidan O’Brien and his staff: “It is very satisfying for him to come back and prove how good he is again today. It’s been a fantastic job by the team to get him in that shape. He’s beaten some good horses, some proven Group 1 horses.”
It is the second year that the Kingdom of Bahrain has sponsored the prestigious Group 1 event and following the race, the trophy was presented to Auguste Rodin’s owners, together with Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, by His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Bahrain Turf Club.
Speaking afterwards, His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa said:
“I would like to thank everyone at Leopardstown for the warm welcome and excellent hospitality we have enjoyed in Ireland. Through our sponsorship of the Irish Champion Stakes, together with the recently introduced Dublin to Bahrain race series, we are delighted to further strengthen the Kingdom’s links with both Irish horseracing and Irish business.
“We have just witnessed a fantastic finish to what was a high-class renewal of the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. Our sincere congratulations to Coolmore, the connections of Auguste Rodin, a memorable winner of a great race.
“The calibre of horses attracted and the result will ensure the status of the Irish Champion Stakes as one of the most important races in the world is maintained. The Kingdom’s association with such a high-profile and prestigious race reflects our own ambitions for the future of horseracing in Bahrain.”
It was announced earlier this year that the prize fund for the Bahrain International Trophy, the highest profile race held in Bahrain and run in November, has been increased to $1million and the race’s status upgraded to Group 2 level. The increase is part of an all-round investment programme making the 2023-24 season in Bahrain the most valuable yet.