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| Staff Writer |
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In a pulsating renewal of the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, Economics emerged victorious, denying the valiant Auguste Rodin in a neck-and-neck battle to the line. The William Haggas-trained colt, under a tactically astute ride from Tom Marquand, showcased both his precocity and resilience in the US$1.34 million contest.
The Irish Champion Stakes, a race steeped in history, has been won by equine luminaries such as Giant's Causeway, Sea The Stars, and Golden Horn. This year's edition, while its place in the annals remains to be determined, certainly lived up to the event's storied past.
Economics, a striking chestnut with a distinctive white blaze, has come a long way since his maiden victory at Newbury in April. The 3YO, owned by Sheikh Isa of Bahrain, skipped the Derby in favour of a more measured ascent to the top echelons of middle-distance racing.
This patient approach paid dividends as Economics proved his class against a field of seasoned campaigners. Marquand, fresh from success aboard Porta Fortuna in the Matron Stakes, adapted his tactics brilliantly, positioning his mount closer to the pace than originally planned.
As the field turned for home, it seemed momentarily that Economics might be overwhelmed. Ryan Moore, aboard last year's winner Auguste Rodin, launched a menacing wide challenge that saw the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt briefly hit the front inside the final furlong.
However, Economics, displaying the heart of a champion, fought back tenaciously under Marquand's urgings. In a gripping finale, the pair regained the lead to score by a neck, with the Japanese raider Shin Emperor and O'Brien's Los Angeles finishing strongly in third and fourth respectively.
For Shin Emperor and Los Angeles, their performances served as encouraging stepping stones towards potential tilts at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Their connections expressed satisfaction with these preparatory runs on Irish soil.
Sheikh Isa, whose Kingdom of Bahrain sponsors the Leopardstown showpiece, was understandably elated. "He has proved to everyone now he's a proper horse," he said of Economics. "I've been waiting a while for a horse like him, and now we have one. He has beaten some of the best horses in the world and it's wonderful for the Kingdom of Bahrain."
Haggas, securing his first Irish Champion Stakes victory, was characteristically understated in his assessment. "It didn't look very nice but he got the job done," he remarked. "It was a relief. I loved his head carriage in the last furlong, he really put his head down."
Looking ahead, Haggas indicated that the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot would likely be Economics' next target, with a step up in trip potentially on the cards for next season.
Marquand, reflecting on his tactical shift during the race, said: "I kept changing plans but this horse must be a champion because he overcame plenty. I just felt for the tempo of the race it wasn't the right place for us, so I changed around and went forward a bit more. He had to battle and he's tough."
As for the vanquished, both O'Brien and Moore were gracious in defeat, tipping their caps to Economics while expressing satisfaction with Auguste Rodin's performance. The dual Classic winner is now being aimed at the Japan Cup.
In a race that lived up to its Group One billing, Economics has announced himself as a middle-distance force to be reckoned with. As autumn approaches and thoughts turn to next season, the racing world will watch with keen interest to see what heights this promising colt might yet scale.