Economics, one of Europe’s breakout stars of 2024, has been retired from racing following a brief but brilliant career that reached its peak with a dominant victory in the Irish Champion Stakes.

Trained by William Haggas for Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the son of Night Of Thunder burst onto the scene with a dazzling six-length win in the Dante Stakes at York, stamping himself as one of the most talented three-year-olds of his generation. In that display, he easily accounted for the previous season’s Futurity Trophy winner Ancient Wisdom, setting the tone for a summer of top-class performances.

He carried that momentum to France, landing the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville by two lengths against a strong international field that featured Jayarebe, Almaqam, and Arrow Eagle.

But it was at Leopardstown where Economics delivered his crowning moment. In the Irish Champion Stakes, he produced a career-defining performance to defeat a glittering cast that included dual Derby hero and Breeders’ Cup winner Auguste Rodin, Irish Derby champion Los Angeles, and multiple Group 1 winner Luxembourg.

The victory cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting middle-distance colts in recent years, and his retirement marks the end of a short yet exceptional racing career.

Image: Copgrove Stud