Auguste Rodin returns to winning ways in Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown

Auguste Rodin rose from the canvass once again to hold off Luxembourg and Nashwa and win the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Despite being a dual Derby winner, Aidan O'Brien’s Deep Impact colt had run two inexplicably bad races this season.

Having disappointed badly in the 2000 Guineas, O’Brien worked his magic to get him back in top form to win at Epsom. He was then workmanlike in winning the Irish Derby, before being virtually pulled up in the King George at Ascot.

But it is folly to write off O’Brien and his horses, and dropped back down to 10 furlongs Auguste Rodin was sent off the 11-4 favourite.

Up against Derby runner-up King Of Steel, last year’s winner Luxembourg and multiple Group One scorer Nashwa, punters kept the faith.

With three Ballydoyle runners at the head of affairs they had the run of the race, while Hollie Doyle only had Jim Crowley and Alflaila for company at the rear of the field.

Auguste Rodin quickened by Luxembourg as Point Lonsdale weakened, with Doyle making relentless progress on John and Thady Gosden’s Nashwa.

Ryan Moore was asking for everything on the favourite, and in the last 50 yards Nashwa’s run flattened out and it was Luxembourg who had one last lunge on the rails, going down by half a length with Nashwa a short head away.

Dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin (11-4F) returns to winning ways in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. #IrishChampionsFestival pic.twitter.com/H5E4bDoyTn

Are you a nervy flyer? Well, you're in good company with Auguste Rodin. Aidan O'Brien discusses his "sensitive" Irish Champions Stakes winner. #IrishChampionsFestival pic.twitter.com/JmFy371PCM