- Economics lived up to expectations after being marked as favourite before race
- Jockey Tom Marquand said it’s ‘the best day’ of his career after the victory
It had been a week of jangling nerves for William Haggas but, in the moments before the gates sprung open, his true feelings tumbled out.
‘Take those worried looks off your faces!’ Haggas, beaming from ear-to-ear, implored the owners of Economics, the gifted colt who was about to be sent off favourite for the Irish Champion Stakes. Bravado? No chance. This was the anticipation of what was to come.
Haggas is not one for making extravagant public declarations but he has known for some time that Economics, a chestnut colt with a distinctive white face and four white socks, is something special. All he needed was for him to show it.
And how he did. The best Flat race staged in Europe this year produced the best finish, a pulsating showdown with the defending champion Auguste Rodin that raised the kind of roar from a Leopardstown crowd you would normally associate with the Cheltenham Festival.
This, truly, was something out of the ordinary. There is a family connection with the Irish Champion Stakes — Haggas’s father-in-law Lester Piggott won the inaugural contest in 1976 — but landing this latest renewal provided some form of vindication.
Economics lived up to expectations after being marked as favourite before race
William Haggas’ charge edged out Auguste Rodin to win Irish Champion Stakes in Dublin
‘It’s a huge day,’ said Haggas, thinking carefully before finishing his sentence. ‘What a relief. He’s got a big future as long as we don’t overdo it. We can’t really believe that so soon after Baaeed we’ve got another.’
There it was. That Haggas felt compelled to mention Economics in the same breath as the best horse he has trained in a career that spans more than 30 years, one that won 10 of his 11 starts, was remarkable. But in no way did it feel hyperbole.
Everything about the challenge facing Economics appeared demanding. The stress of travelling, the artillery that was going to be unloaded by Aidan O’Brien — the man who has won this race a record 12 times, including the last five.
In many ways, this was like going to New Zealand to take on the All Blacks; Leopardstown O’Brien’s home turf and he threw everything at it to keep the £700,000 first prize in his clutches, Auguste Rodin being joined by class animals Los Angeles and Luxembourg.
There was also the added weight of history. No horse since 1995 had won the Irish Champion Stakes without having previously been successful at Group One level but none of it mattered to Economics, who is blessed with speed and buckets of courage.
Through an absorbing duel in the final 500 yards of the 10-furlong contest, as Auguste Rodin came with what looked like a decisive run, Economics stuck out his neck and lowered his head, eventually having a neck to spare at the line. The dream had been realised.
Jockey Tom Marquand (second from left) said it’s ‘the best day’ of his career after the victory
‘This might just be the best day of my career,’ said jockey Tom Marquand, who had warmed up for his ride Economics by guiding Porta Fortuna to victory in the Group One Matron Stakes; his mum and dad had made the journey to Dublin with him and had been rewarded.
‘These are the horses you dream of riding. It was a huge thrill, an exceptional performance. He missed the Derby but, ultimately, there are so many big targets ahead. It’s a pleasure to be a part of a day like this and hopefully to be a part of it in the future.
‘I thought he had it in there, but he had to really show it today to battle off a proper Group One champion with course and distance knowledge. Ryan (Moore) had a nicer trip round than us as well and he has still managed to come out on top.’
Moore could scarcely believe he had come second best, scowling as he looked at replays on the big screen as he returned to dismount. O’Brien, as is his way, was more gracious, being one of the first to offer congratulations to Haggas. Soon enough, there would be a queue for handshakes.
‘I’m absolutely thrilled to bits for (his owner) Sheikh Isa,’ said Haggas. He was smiling. He was thrilled to bits for himself, too.
