Haggas pays tribute to ‘big-hearted’ former stable star Economics

William Haggas paid tribute to a “big-hearted horse who always gave his all” following the death of former Somerville Lodge star Economics in India at the age of five.

Economics, trained by Haggas for Shaikh Isa Salman Al Khalifa before being bought by Poonawalla Stud Farms last year, caught the eye in winning York’s Dante Stakes by six lengths on only his third start in 2024.

The chestnut son of Night Of Thunder claimed the Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville that summer before achieving his career highlight when edging a high-quality field in the Irish Champion Stakes.

A statement on Haggas’ official X account read: “We are saddened by the passing of the talented Economics. It was a privilege to train such a big-hearted horse who always gave his all.

“He meant so much to our team at Somerville Lodge. Our heartfelt condolences to all involved, especially the Poonawalla family and their team.”

Economics only had two more runs after his Group One success at Leopardstown, both in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot but finished down the field on each occasion.

He retired after winning over £950,000 in prize-money and was bought by the Poonawalla family to stand at their world-renowned stud last October.