Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes |
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| Group 1, Leopardstown 15:25 €1,250,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m 2f, Class 1  |
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1 Economics 7/4F
2
Auguste Rodin 9/4
3
Shin Emperor 16/1
8 ran Distances: nk, ¾l, hd
Time: 2m 3.20s (fast by 2.20s)
The Group 1 @BahrainTurfClub Irish Champion Stakes did not disappoint, as the @WilliamHaggas colt Economics digs in gamely to fight off the attentions of Auguste Rodin in a thrilling finish - a double on the day for @TomMarquand!🏆 pic.twitter.com/0UpPzHQXcx
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) September 14, 2024
Trained by William Haggas, Economics had previously impressed with victories in the Dante at York and the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville.
Starting as the 7-4 favourite in his first Group One race, jockey Tom Marquand patiently waited from his wide draw, steadily improving his position. As they straightened for home, long-time leader Luxembourg was tough to pass, but it was Auguste Rodin, trained by Aidan O’Brien, who posed the main challenge. In a thrilling finish, Economics edged out Auguste Rodin by a neck.
Following this victory, Economics is now the 6-4 favourite for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot next month, aiming to become the seventh horse to win both the Irish and British Champion Stakes.
Haggas commented, “It wasn’t pretty, but he got the job done. I loved his determination in the final furlong. He’s progressing well and has a bright future. We’ve always planned for the Champion Stakes at Ascot, and I’m thrilled for Sheikh Isa, who invests so much into this.”
This win marked Marquand’s second Group One victory of the day, having also won the Matron Stakes with Porta Fortuna. Marquand praised Economics, saying, “He’s a talented and tenacious horse. There were moments of concern, but he always felt ready. Auguste Rodin was a formidable opponent, but Economics proved his class.”
Marquand added, “I had to adjust my strategy a few times, but Economics responded brilliantly. He’s still developing, and next year could be even better. I’m excited to be part of his journey.”
For Sheikh Isa, this was his second top-level win, following Commissioning’s Fillies’ Mile victory in 2022. Watching Economics win a race he sponsors was particularly special. He said, “It’s thrilling to see him prove his quality against some of the best. This is a significant win for Bahrain and for me as an owner. I’m incredibly proud and grateful.”
The decision to skip a run at Epsom in the Derby after impressing in the Dante Stakes is now proving justified, with Sheikh Isa continuing: “There were discussions, but at the end of the day he (Haggas) sees the horse more than I do and there is trust.
“Between a racehorse trainer and any owner you must have trust.”
On the future, he added: “I’m dreaming of enjoying today and we’ll pick up the pieces tomorrow and make a call as a team.”
Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1)
1m 2f, €1,250,000 guaranteed
8 ran
Going: Good
POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (8) Economics 3 9-3 William Haggas Tom Marquand 7/4F
2 (4) nk Auguste Rodin 4 9-9 A P O'Brien Ryan Moore 9/4
3 (3) ¾ Shin Emperor 3 9-3 Yoshito Yahagi Ryusei Sakai 16/1
4 (5) hd Los Angeles 3 9-3 A P O'Brien Dylan Browne McMonagle 8/1
5 (2) ¾ Ghostwriter 3 9-3 Clive Cox Richard Kingscote 11/2
6 (7) ½ Luxembourg 5 9-9 A P O'Brien Declan McDonogh 11/1
7 (1) ½ Royal Rhyme 4 9-9 K R Burke Clifford Lee 25/1
8 (6) 8½ Hans Andersen 4 9-9 A P O'Brien Chris Hayes 250/1
