Economics, the 2024 Irish Champion Stakes (G1) winner and a top European middle-distance colt, has been sold to Poonawalla Stud Farms. Trained by William Haggas and by Night of Thunder, the four-year-old arrives as a proven Group 1 performer set to lead a major push to raise India’s breeding standard.

On form, Economics delivered a standout campaign. His signature success came at Leopardstown when he edged past Auguste Rodin, the dual Derby winner, in the Irish Champion Stakes — a performance that cemented his stallion credentials. Earlier that season he won the Dante Stakes (G2) at York and the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano (G2) at Deauville, combining a sharp turn of foot with durability and racecraft prized by breeders.

The colt’s blend of speed, stamina and a determined finishing kick made him a natural target for buyers seeking immediate stallion impact. His race record and pedigree give Poonawalla Stud Farms an elite sire prospect capable of influencing India’s foal crop and lifting commercial appeal.

“Securing Economics is a monumental step for Poonawalla Stud Farms and for the future of Indian thoroughbred breeding. We must continuously introduce the finest international bloodlines to elevate our stock. My long-term vision is clear: to breed horses in India that can compete successfully against the best internationally, and eventually, to establish a quality benchmark that will attract international buyers back to India, making our farms a recognised source of global equine excellence. Economics, a Group 1-winning son of Night of Thunder, gives us the elite sire power needed to achieve this.”

New Approach Bloodstock, led by Ajay Anne (a Darley Flying Start graduate), brokered the sale. Anne highlighted Economics as an athlete whose combination of performance and pedigree “commands international attention,” continuing his record of placing stallion prospects into emerging markets. Anne’s prior placements include sires such as Noverre, Tasleet, Prince Of Lir and Territories, all of which produced high-level performers.

“My goal is always to find value and secure the right horse for the right client. Economics is an elite athlete with a pedigree and performance profile that commands international attention, and I am delighted to facilitate this historic purchase for Mr. Poonawalla, whose vision for Indian breeding is truly inspiring. The introduction of a horse of this calibre will undoubtedly have a positive, lasting impact.”

Economics will join the Poonawalla operation under the strategic leadership of Zavaray Poonawalla, with support from his daughter Simone and CEO Raunak Banerji. The acquisition underlines Poonawalla Stud Farms’ ambition to “breed the best with the best” and to position Indian breeding more visibly on the global stage.

Image: Copgrove Stud