William Haggas’ Economics edges out  Auguste Rodin to win Irish Champion Stakes in Dublin

William Haggas had been feeling extremely nervous this past week, but just before the gates opened, his true feelings came to the surface.

‘Wipe those worried looks off your face!’ Haggas, beaming from ear to ear, implored the owners of Economics, the gifted colt about to be sent off as favourite for the Irish Champion Stakes. Brave? Not a chance. This was the anticipation of what was to come.

Haggas isn’t one for making extravagant public statements, but he’s known for a while that Economics, a chestnut colt with a striking white face and four white socks, is something special. All he needed was to show it.

And how he did it. The best flat race held in Europe this year produced the best finish, a pulsating clash with reigning champion Auguste Rodin that drew the kind of roar from a Leopardstown crowd that you would normally associate with the Cheltenham Festival.

This was truly something extraordinary. There is a family connection to the Irish Champion Stakes – Haggas’ father-in-law Lester Piggott won the inaugural race in 1976 – but securing this latest extension offered a form of vindication.

William Haggas defeated Auguste Rodin to win the Irish Champion Stakes in Dublin

“It’s a huge day,” Haggas said, thinking carefully before finishing his sentence. “What a relief. He has a big future, as long as we don’t overdo it. We can’t believe we’re getting another one so soon after Baaeed.”

There it was. That Haggas felt compelled to mention Economy in the same breath as the best horse he had trained in a career spanning more than 30 years, a horse who had won 10 of his 11 starts, was remarkable. But it didn’t feel like hyperbole in any way.

Everything about the challenge facing Economics seemed demanding. The stress of travel, the artillery that would be unleashed by Aidan O’Brien — the man who has won this race a record 12 times, including the last five.

In many ways it was like going to New Zealand to take on the All Blacks; Leopardstown was O’Brien’s home ground and he did everything he could to keep his hands on the £700,000 first prize. Auguste Rodin was joined by the top-ranked 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 that mattered little to Economics, who is blessed with speed and buckets of courage.

In a riveting duel in the final 500 yards of the 10-furlong race, when Auguste Rodin came up with what looked like a decisive run, Economics stuck his neck out and bowed his head, ultimately leaving him with a neck to spare at the finish. The dream had come true.

Jockey Tom Marquand (second from left) said it was ‘the best day’ of his career after the win

“This is probably the best day of my career,” said jockey Tom Marquand, who had warmed up for his ride Economics by piloting Porta Fortuna to victory in the Group 1 Matron Stakes. His sire and dam had travelled with him to Dublin and had been rewarded for doing so.

“These are the horses you dream of riding. It was a huge thrill, an exceptional achievement. He missed the Derby, but ultimately there are so many big goals ahead of us. It’s a pleasure to be part of a day like this and hopefully in the future.

‘I thought he had it in him but he really had to show it today to compete against a real Group One champion with course and distance knowledge. Ryan (Moore) also had a better round than us and he still managed to come out on top.’

Moore could hardly believe he had come in second place, frowning as he watched replays on the big screen as he returned to dismount. O’Brien, as usual, was friendlier and was among the first to congratulate Haggas. Soon there would be a line to shake hands.

“I’m so happy for (his owner) Sheikh Isa,” Haggas said, laughing. He was also so happy for himself.