AUGUSTE Rodin was out of luck in last Sunday’s Japan Cup (see page 37), but the experience left a big impression on Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore’s Tom Magnier.

It was Aidan’s first trip to Japan and he was accompanied by sons, Joseph and Donnacha. Asked to describe the experience, Aidan told Racing.com: “It’s absolutely unbelievable. You have to come here to believe it. The people are so respectful and the track and facilities are incredible. It’s an experience like we have never had before.”