The Royal Bahrain Irish

Champion Stakes (Group 1)

IN the words of owner Isa Salman Al Khalifa, Economics “proved to everyone that he’s a proper horse” when triumphing in a thrilling renewal of the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

William Haggas’s charge was eventually sent off favourite for the Group 1, following impressive Group 2 wins at York and Deauville, but you had to go back as far as Pentire in 1995 to find the last time the winner broke his top-flight duck in the feature.

The chesnut was settled in midfield by Tom Marquand, as last year’s second Luxembourg led the field, with the 2023 winner Auguste Rodin racing towards the rear. Economics was pushed along from over two furlongs out and seemed to find another gear when Auguste Rodin eyeballed him a furlong from home.

The pair rallied to the line, where Economics prevailed by a neck, while Japanese raider Shin Emperor added international interest back in third. Haggas later complimented the winner’s determined attitude, saying: “I loved his head carriage. I thought the other horse was going to come and beat him.”

Marquand, who was completing an impressive Group 1 double, echoed the trainer’s comments, saying: “Not only is he a proper racehorse, he’s a warrior as well. Very few horses possess both of those qualities. Auguste Rodin turned up as good as he is, so Economics had to be very good.”

The winning owner, who also sponsored the race, added: “I’ve been waiting a while for a horse like him.” The quietly confident Sheikh Isa smiled when asked what races he was dreaming of going forward. “I’m dreaming of enjoying today,” he replied.

A 160,000gns yearling buy by Highclere Agency at the Tattersalls Book 2 Sale, the son of Night Of Thunder was bred by Copgrove Hall Stud.