Auguste proves a tough nut to crack

AIDAN O'BRIEN created another masterpiece as Auguste Rodin silenced his Royal Ascot doubters in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

- Melissa Jones

The all-or-nothing star had stunned fans with both his brilliance and occasional tendency not to put in a shift.

But as Berkshire bathed in sunshine, the 13-8 favourite worked hard to help O'Brien to a 400th Group One.

It was a significant result for Ryan Moore too, an 81st triumph putting him on a par with Frankie Dettori at the meeting.

O'Brien, right, was quick to shift blame for Auguste Rodin's no-showswhich included a last of 12 in the Dubai Sheema Classic - onto himself.

"The blips were my fault, the instructions were wrong and it was time to start getting it right," said O'Brien, who joined forces with Moore for Queen's Vase glory with Illinois.