Auguste Rodin has always been a special colt. A son of the late and great Japanese sire Deep Impact, out of one of the late and great Galileo’s best daughters Rhododendron.

A superb pedigree was matched by all the signs of a superb athlete at home in Ballydoyle.

Then, the next and most crucial line to complete the triangle came on the course, when he powered up the inside rail to claim Vertem Futurity at Doncaster last September, defying heavy ground.

With the death of Galileo, the sire that has proved so pivotal to the successful business of Coolmore, the pressure is on to find the next generational sire in an increasingly competitive global world of racing.

Auguste Rodin is a prime candidate. So, when he flopped in the 2000 Guineas, it was a massive blow to his owner/breeders and Aidan O’Brien.

Superbe performance

However, the latter never lost confidence in him, simply putting a line through that piece of form and moving on to the Derby, and he duly delivered a superb performance, to see off surprise package King Of Steel late in the final furlong at Epsom, the pair coming well clear of their rivals.

“It’s great credit to everybody,” O’Brien said. “Firstly for John (Magnier) to send a great mare to Japan and everyone is involved, there’s so many people who make this happen.

He’s a total homebred horse and it’s all credit to them to make this thing happen every day.

“Ryan (Moore) said it probably didn’t suit him and he’d prefer a lot stronger pace, but he said he had to quicken twice. He’s so exciting for us and I feel so grateful. I’m so delighted for his owners, it’s a great pleasure for us to have anything to do with him.”

The season now opens up for Auguste Rodin. O’Brien, who was recording a record-extending ninth win in the Derby, suggested he could attempt a Derby double in the Irish version at the Curragh – Coolmore have traditionally been keen to support that race – or he could move back to 10 furlongs and for an Eclipse at Sandown.

From a breeding perspective, winning a Group 1 over 10 furlongs will make him significantly more attractive again for potential suitors.

Races like the Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes are also likely options for him as the season progresses.