Aidan O’Brien is fully aware of the importance of Auguste Rodin to the thoroughbred breed as he aims to add another stellar Group One to his CV in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.
By the late Japanese sensation Deep Impact, Auguste Rodin showcased his talent on the world stage last year by completing the Derby double at Epsom and the Curragh before adding the Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Turf to his tally.
On Saturday he is attempting to win on a third continent, with the brave decision to keep him in training as a four-year-old, especially given Coolmore will eventually be looking for him to take over from Galileo at stud, not lost on his trainer.
“He’s so important to the breed of the thoroughbred,” said O’Brien.
“He brings together the best of Japan and Europe – the best of two continents – and it’s fair to say he’s one of the most important and exciting horses we have ever had. He really does have a chance of exerting a huge influence on future racehorses.
“It was a very brave decision by the lads to keep him in training, most definitely. There was already huge interest in him as a stallion prospect. But his owners are enjoying their racing more than ever these days and they are conscious of how unique this horse is. I think it’s great for everyone in racing that we can enjoy him again this year.
“We feel he has matured well from three to four and the reports from the team at Meydan are that he has travelled there well and is in great form.
“He is ready to run to his best and we are very excited about the journey ahead.”
Later in the year O’Brien is keen to see if Auguste Rodin can handle a dirt surface, which would make him even more valuable and unique.
“I think, as a rule, Deep Impacts are more grass horses, but we were very surprised the way he worked on dirt in America during the Breeders’ Cup,” he added.
“He cruises over the dirt, he’s a beautiful mover. He’s a very unusual-actioned horse so it will be very interesting to see how the season progresses. We can’t wait to see him back.”
There is at least one formidable obstacle to Auguste Rodin, however, in the shape of the Japanese filly Liberty Island, a multiple Group One winner in her homeland and last seen filling the runner-up spot behind her esteemed compatriot Equinox, who was nothing sort of sensational in last year’s Sheema Classic.
Auguste Rodin’s jockey Ryan Moore knows the strength of Japanese racing as much as anyone, and is full of respect for Liberty Island in a deep field.
“He had a gallop at Dundalk last month and he has been gearing up very well for this target since then,” he told Betfair.
“We never underestimate the opposition though, and you’d be pretty foolish to, given the make-up of this field.
“The strength of the Japanese circuit is there for all to see in this – Liberty Island’s winning run was only brought to a close by Equinox in the Japan Cup and we have to give that filly 5lb here, which is a pretty big ask – and there are Group One winners everywhere else you look too, not to mention the progressive Spirit Dancer.
“The winner will have earned their success.”
The British contingent is headed by John and Thady Gosden’s top-class filly Emily Upjohn, who has not not been seen in competitive action since disappointing in the King George at Ascot in July.
Thady Gosden said: “Obviously things didn’t quite go right there (in the King George), so we gave her a bit of time afterwards and she’s been in good order since really.
“She’s been training well through the winter. Obviously it’s very difficult getting horses ready with the long, dark nights and the cold weather, but she’s enjoying her work and has travelled over without a bother. Like everyone she’s happy to be here and is enjoying the experience.
“She’s a filly who has always shown plenty of talent and she’s progressed well through her career, of course winning the Coronation Cup last year against the boys. She’s in a similar situation here over a mile and a half against colts, albeit in a much more international race against some of the best horses in the world, as you’d expect.”
Charlie Appleby and William Buick team up with 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf hero Rebel’s Romance. The six-year-old disappointed behind Equinox 12 months ago, but returns for a second attempt off the back of claiming at Group Three prize in Qatar in February.
“It was great to see him back at that level in Doha. He obviously had that great spell two years ago, winning those Group Ones culminating in winning a Breeders’ Cup Turf,” said Appleby.
“Last year was a bit stop-start. Our plan of working back from the Sword Dancer met with a bit of a mishap where he clipped heels (at Saratoga in July). He didn’t go down, but Richie (Mullen) got a bad fall and the horse just lost his confidence.
“We went to Kempton for an easier assignment with the hope that he would gain confidence from it and you could visually see that he had and we went to Qatar with a horse that we felt was back on his A-game. It was a great ride by William that day, but you’ve got to have the horse underneath you and the combination did a great job and won very impressively.
“He’s come here in great nick. The Sheema Classic is probably the strongest race of the evening, but the mile-and-a-half turf division is always a strong division wherever you go.”
Fun in the sun: Halledeen pilots Jason DaCosta’s Funcaandun to thrilling upset in Mouttet Mile
Jason DaCosta’s Funcaandun pulled off a stunning upset to claim the third staging of the prestigious Mouttet Mile Invitational at Caymanas Park on Saturday.
Ridden by the spirited Robert “Hardball” Halledeen, the American-bred thoroughbred surged to victory by a neck, capturing the US$250,000 purse (approximately $39 million Jamaican), the largest prize in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The win marked a significant achievement for DaCosta, who entered the race as an underdog against trainer Rohan Crichton, last year’s champion. Crichton’s duo, Legacy Isle (Emisael Jaramillo) and Commandant (Dane Nelson), were well-fancied to defend his crown, but DaCosta’s 17-1 outsider had other plans.
From the break, a trio of speedsters—Bandura (Jerome Innis), Pack Plays (Kevin Krigger), and Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman)—vied for the early lead, setting a brisk pace. Crichton’s Legacy Isle stalked the leaders in fourth as they approached the five-furlong marker, while Commandant and Funcaandun bided their time mid-pack.
As the field reached the half-mile, Legacy Isle made his move and slipped into second before seizing the lead ahead of the home turn as Commandant and Funcaandun loomed large in pursuit, which signalled the possibility of a three-way showdown for supremacy.
Into the stretch, Legacy Isle surged ahead with every intent to shake off the competition, but Halledeen and Funcaandun began to close with unrelenting strides. At the furlong pole, Funcaandun joined Legacy Isle, and the two powered to the finish as Commandant pressed hard on the outside.
However, in the final strides, Halledeen’s determined handling ensured the Carlton Watson-owned Funcaandun edged out the competition in a dramatic victory.
Crichton’s runners, Legacy Isle and Commandant, had to settle for second and third, respectively, while Donovan Hutchinson’s Further and Beyond (Aaron Chatrie) rounded out the top four.
Funcaandun, a three-year-old bay colt (Klimt-Fiftyshadesoffun), clocked a time of 1:38.4 over the mile, with fractions of 23.2, 46.4, and 1:12.1, in a performance that stunned the packed stands at Caymanas Park.
Halledeen, known for his aggressive and tactical approach, credited the victory to Funcaandun’s resilience. It was his second win on the 11-race card, as he also won the sixth event aboard Gregg Fennell’s Milos.
“I was very confident because I knew he had it in him. The Gold Cup and the Jamaica Cup showed me that he is the perfect mile horse, so all I wanted was a clean break, and I got that and also got the rail, and I went from there. When we hit the stretch and he started responding, I just kept driving and gave me everything he had,” Halledeen, who also won the event in 2018 when it was then named Diamond Mile, said after catching his breath.
“I am really happy because when it comes to big races, you know I am the man-of-the-match, so it’s just a wonderful feeling, and I am just processing everything,” he added.
Zimi Entertainment teams up with Supreme Ventures to revolutionize the Mouttet Mile
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment has joined forces with Zimi Entertainment to infuse fresh, youthful energy into Jamaica’s iconic Mouttet Mile, creating a dynamic fusion of sports and entertainment.
The partnership, announced by Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), aims to broaden the event's appeal by introducing vibrant elements to the experience, including the launch of the Zimi Seh Brunch. Known for its innovative, high-energy parties, Zimi Entertainment is set to transform race day into a cultural spectacle that merges tradition with trendsetting vibes.
Nicholas Mahfood, CEO of Zimi Entertainment, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
"This partnership means a great deal to the Zimi team. We’ve worked hard over the years to grow our brand, and to now have the opportunity to partner with a powerhouse like Supreme Ventures is truly a rewarding feeling. We’re excited to work alongside them to bring the Mouttet Mile and the launch of Zimi Seh Brunch to life. This is just the beginning, and we hope to cultivate a long-term partnership that will allow us to fuse our creative reach and deliver some of the most unforgettable parties and events in Jamaica."
The Mouttet Mile, a highlight on Jamaica’s social and sporting calendar, will now boast curated entertainment designed to appeal to a younger, trendier audience while retaining its appeal for seasoned racegoers. This collaboration underscores a commitment to innovation, with the event poised to become an even bigger celebration of Jamaican culture and lifestyle.
Kamal Powell, Head of Marketing at Supreme Ventures Limited, expressed his excitement about the new partnership:
"We’re thrilled to partner with Zimi, as it allows us to engage a younger demographic and inject some fresh energy into the Mouttet Mile. This collaboration also provides Zimi with a wonderful corporate partnership as they launch Zimi Seh Brunch, the first of many exciting events in the series. We look forward to the innovation and creativity that Zimi Entertainment will bring to the Mouttet Mile and Caymanas Track as a whole. It’s an exciting time for the entertainment industry in Jamaica."
This partnership not only marks an evolution for the Mouttet Mile but also signals a broader shift in how events like horse racing can connect with diverse audiences. With Zimi Entertainment at the helm of the entertainment experience, guests can expect a memorable blend of thrilling horse races, vibrant music, and immersive cultural festivities.
The collaboration promises to elevate the Mouttet Mile into a world-class event, blending the rich tradition of horse racing with cutting-edge entertainment to redefine Jamaica’s event landscape.
Caymanas Park to celebrate retired horses with historic raceday
In a groundbreaking initiative, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has partnered with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) to host the inaugural Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 23. This historic event, the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, underscores the racing industry's commitment to responsible practices and the welfare of retired racehorses.
The dedicated raceday represents a significant step toward formalizing the retirement process for Jamaica’s thoroughbreds. Chris Wills, Vice President of Administration at SVREL, expressed pride in the initiative.
“This raceday is of special significance to us and is sure to become a staple on our racing calendar,” said Wills. “It’s a testament to our commitment to the animals that are the heart of our sport. We’re proud to partner with the JRC in taking proactive steps to ensure the dignity and care of the horses beyond their racing careers.”
The Jamaica Racing Commission, which oversees the largest population of thoroughbred horses on the island, has long championed initiatives to support racehorse welfare. Dr. Simone Johnally, the Commission Veterinarian at the JRC, emphasized the importance of honoring these horses and providing for their well-being after their racing days are over.
“These beautiful creatures spend an average of eight years within the racing product but have a lifespan of up to 30 years and deserve to be honored and provided with the care and support they need throughout their lives,” Dr. Johnally said.
She highlighted the versatility of retired racehorses, which often transition into new roles such as outrider ponies, trail and pleasure riding companions, members of the Mounted Troop Police, or participants in equestrian sports like show jumping, dressage, and polo. Additionally, retired horses can contribute to agriculture, equine-assisted therapy, and even serve as blood donors for medical institutions.
In recognition of the organizations supporting this vital cause, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday will feature nine races, each named after key partner organizations. This creative approach not only celebrates collaboration but also raises awareness of the importance of aftercare for retired racehorses.
The event marks a crucial moment for Jamaica’s racing industry, setting a precedent for responsible racing practices and ensuring that the animals at the heart of the sport are treated with dignity and care throughout their lives. With initiatives like this, Caymanas Park is poised to lead the way in promoting horse welfare across the region.
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