Auguste Rodin, Rich Strike, the Cartier Awards and the Bahrain International Trophy feature in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Auguste Rodin to race on as a four-year-old
Ireland: Dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin, last seen landing the Breeders’ Cup Turf under an inspired ride from Ryan Moore, will stay in training as a four-year-old in 2024.
The news comes as a surprise as it was widely assumed the son of the late Japanese superstar Deep Impact would be retired to join the Coolmore stallion roster. “It’s a big decision and we’re obviously absolutely delighted,” said trainer Aidan O’Brien, speaking to the PA news agency.
The tantalising prospect of a crack at the Breeders’ Cup Classic on dirt at Del Mar in November next year has been raised. More here
Stablemate Continuous, the St Leger winner, has had a setback and will miss his intended Japan Cup clash with world #1 Equinox. Ryan Moore will now renew his association with last year’s winner Vela Azul. More here
Rich Strike retired and offered for sale as stallion prospect
USA: Last year’s shock Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike has been retired and will be sold at Keeneland on Friday [Nov 17] as a stallion prospect.
UPDATE: Rich Strike withdrawn from sale
The four-year-old has run just once in 2023, finishing fifth of six in G2 event at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Oaks card in May. Announcing his retirement, owner Rick Dawson said a series of “nagging injuries” had kept him sidelined.
At 81-1, Rich Strike was the longest-priced winner in the history of the Kentucky Derby in 2022 when he scored a last-to-first success under jockey Sonny Leon for trainer Eric Reed. More here
Cartier Awards: Arc winner Ace Impact is European champion
GB: Sensational Arc winner Ace Impact was crowned European Horse of the Year at the 33rd Cartier Awards ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel last week.
Unbeaten in six career starts for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, the son of Cracksman is rated world #4 behind Japanese superstar Equinox according to Thoroughbred Racing Commentary's Global Rankings. He has arrived at the Haras de Beaumont in Normandy ahead of his first season at stud in 2024, when he stands at an initial fee of €40,000.
Other winners at the Cartier Awards included champion two-year-old City Of Troy and leading older horse Mostahdaf, while owner-breeder Jeff Smith received the Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit. More here
Buick bullish about Nations Pride in Bahrain
Bahrain: Godolphin’s three-time G1 winner Nations Pride heads a 14-runner field for the Bahrain International Trophy on Friday [Nov 17] at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club.
Britain’s champion jockey William Buick – never closer than seventh in three previous attempts – reckons the four-year-old represents his best chance yet in the G2 showpiece, now worth $1m.
“I have not had much luck in the race previously, but this fella is different,” said Buick. “He’s a mile-and-a-quarter specialist and I think he is a real good candidate.” More here
The Bahrain International Trophy will be covered by 22 global broadcasters and shown in more than 110 countries. More here
Two-month ban and hefty fine for Harry Bentley
Hong Kong: British jockey Harry Bentley, a six-time champion in Qatar before moving to Hong Kong in April 2021, has been suspended for two months and fined HK$300,000 ($38,500/£31,000) for improper conduct.
Bentley, 31, pled guilty to the charge after stewards alleged he had engaged in “inappropriate communication” with a third party about horses he was riding. However, he stressed the offence was “in no way related to giving tips, betting, wagering, race-fixing or accepting payment”. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
GB: Jockey Graham Lee has surgery for serious spinal injuries after horrific fall More here
USA: Turf veteran Channel Maker arrives at Old Friends More here
Hong Kong: ‘Amazing’ Golden Sixty limbers up as Vincent Ho returns to action More here
Hong Kong: Star-studded line-up for Longines IJC revealed More here
Australia: All-Star Mile revamped for Caulfield in 2024 More here
Australia: Historic G1 double for Pride Of Jenni in Melbourne Cup week More here
Japan: Veteran jockey Shigefumi Kumazawa makes final appearance More here
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