Economics realises potential in Irish Champion Stakes

Economics cashed in at Leopardstown to claim the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes after a titanic tussle with Auguste Rodin.

The William Haggas-trained colt had impressed when romping away with the Dante at York in May, before following up in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville.

Sent off the 7-4 favourite for his first taste of Group One action, Tom Marquand was content to bide his time from his position drawn widest of all.

He was always travelling powerfully and improving his position with every stride, with Marquand waiting to push the button aboard the strapping chestnut straightening for home.

Long-time front-runner Luxembourg initially proved a tough nut to crack, but the closer the winning post came his Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate Auguste Rodin proved the main threat to Economics.

Having battled it out with the defending champion in the closing stages, Economics stuck his big white nose out best to claim a thrilling neck victory.

Japanese raider Shin Emperor, who had a 111-day absence to overcome, finished and eye-catching third and Los Angeles finished fourth, with both horses now heading for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on the first Sunday in October.

Economics (7-4F) edges out last year's winner Auguste Rodin to claim a Group One at his first attempt in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Japanese raider Shin Emperor finished third on his first start since May. pic.twitter.com/jIQAmilMS9

The Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot next month is likely Economics' next target, where he could bid to become just the seventh horse to follow up Irish Champion Stakes victory in the British equivalent.

"It didn't look very nice, but he got the job done. I loved his head carriage in the