HORSERACING – ECONOMICS prevailed in a thrilling finish last night in the 2024 running of the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, held at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland.
The prestigious race produced a memorable outcome for the connections of the warrior-like winner Economics, who triumphed by a neck from last year’s victor Auguste Rodin, with Japanese-trained challenger Shin Emperor taking third.
Stepping into Group One company for the first time, Economics showed class and determination to record a famous result. The three-year-old colt had previously only run four times, but in a race that more than lived up to its ‘Champion Stakes’ billing, he held off a strong challenge from Auguste Rodin.
Economics claimed first prize for his owner Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) High Committee chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, trainer William Haggas and jockey Tom Marquand.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Bahrain Turf Club chief executive Yusuf Buheji said: “We have just witnessed a fantastic finish to what was once again a high-class renewal of the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, and on behalf of the Bahrain Turf Club, I would like to send the warmest of congratulations to our chairman, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, following the victory of Economics.
“It is very fitting that, as chairman of the Bahrain Turf Club, His Highness should win the Royal Bahrain Irish Champions Stakes and even more so that Economics should be ridden to victory by the club’s ambassador Tom Marquand.
“One of the benefits of the kingdom’s sponsorship of the race is that, within just three years, Bahrain has developed a strong association with one of the highlights of the global racing calendar.
“Furthermore, our involvement with such a prestigious race also reflects our own ambitions for the future of horseracing in Bahrain.”
Winning jockey and Bahrain Turf Club ambassador Marquand was completing a Group One double, having earlier won the Matron Stakes.
Speaking to Racing TV after the victory of Economics, he said: “This horse is an absolute warrior, as well as being a very good horse.
“Auguste Rodin turned up today every bit as good as last year and we fought back to win. I am thrilled to be a part of this horse’s journey, together with His Highness Shaikh Isa and William Haggas.”
Economics’ trainer Haggas added: “I loved this horse’s head carriage at the end, he really put his head down, battled and showed a wonderful attitude. I am thrilled to bits for His Highness Shaikh Isa as he puts so much into the sport and it is a great result for all involved.”
Each of the first three horses in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes receives an invitation to the 2024 running of the $1 million Bahrain International Trophy (Group Two), which takes place on November 15 at REHC. Other entries for the 1m2f (2,000m) event close on October 2.
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