Economics beats Auguste Rodin in Champion Stakes thriller

Economics fought off defending champion Auguste Rodin in a thrilling conclusion to the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.

Providing Tom Marquand with a memorable Group 1 double after his Matron success, the William Haggas-trained victor was returned the 7/4 favourite on his first try at the highest level.

An impressive winner of the Dante at York in May, the Night Of Thunder chestnut was subsequently given time to mature, winning a Group 2 on his return to action at Deauville last month.

Settled in mid-division on the outer, the market leader took closer order from halfway and was ridden in third over a furlong from home.

Soon in a share of the lead with the challenging Auguste Rodin, he outbattled last year's winner inside the final 100 yards, with just a neck between them at the line.

The Ryan Moore ridden runner-up was returned at 9/4, while Japanese raider Shin Emperor (16/1) ran a huge race to take third, just three-quarters of a length behind.

The latter didn't get the clearest of runs from the furlong pole but finished well to take minor honours under Ryusei Sakai, with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe now firmly on his agenda.

Irish Derby winner Los Angeles came from off the pace to take fourth, while Ghostwriter couldn't match the principals in the closing stages and finished fifth.

"It didn't look very nice but he got the job done. I loved his head carriage in the last furlong, he really put his head down," Haggas reflected.

"I thought the other horse was going to come and beat him, but he beat him, thank God."

Winning owner Sheikh Isa added: "You have to be excited coming in with a favourites chance. The exciting thing is that he did it and he's proven to everyone now that he's a proper horse. He's beaten some of the best horses in the world.

"It's wonderful for the Kingdom of Bahrain to be sponsoring one of the best races seen so far over ten furlongs.

"From my stand point as an owner and also from our stand point as a racing jurisdiction it's a win-win all around.

"I've been waiting a while for a horse like him and as William said 'we have one'. I'm just very proud and very thankful."

On the decision to miss the Derby he added: "There were discussions but in the end of the day he sees the horse more than I do and there is trust. Between a racehorse trainer and any owner you must have trust and I trust William and Maureen's judgement."

When asked if he was dreaming of Longchamp now he said: "I'm dreaming of enjoying today and we'll pick up the pieces tomorrow and make a call as a team."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson