G1 winner Economics sold to India to begin stallion career

Hero of the Irish Champion Stakes and one of the best 3-year-olds of 2024, the son of Night of Thunder has been acquired by Poonawalla Stud Farms

Economics was one of the leading European stayers over the past two seasons

NEWMARKET, England (Turf Diario Special).- The high-class Economics, one of the standout performers of the 2024 European season, has been sold and will commence his stud career at Poonawalla Stud Farms in India. The transaction was brokered by Ajay Anne of New Approach Bloodstock and represents a significant step in the Asian operation’s strategy to elevate its genetic standards.

The son of Night of Thunder reached the peak of his career when capturing the Irish Champion S. (G1) at Leopardstown, where he convincingly defeated dual Derby (G1) winner and Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) hero Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact), as well as 2024 Irish Derby (G1) winner Los Angeles (Camelot) and the seasoned Luxembourg(Camelot).

Off that performance, Economics earned his place in the top five of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings 2024 and received nominations for the Cartier Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Colt awards. Earlier in the season, he had impressed with a commanding six-length victory in the Dante S. (G2) at York and later confirmed his classic credentials with a strong success in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano (G2).

“He was a special 3-year-old. When we saw him win the Dante and then the Irish Champion, we knew he was the kind of horse we needed,” said Simone Poonawalla, manager of the stud. “It’s not easy to secure horses of that level nowadays, which is why we moved quickly to complete the deal.”

Economics will join a stallion roster that already features G1 winner Territories (Invincible Spirit) and will be part of a long-term project aimed at strengthening Indian breeding with elite international blood. “We want Indian-bred horses to be respected on the global stage, just as Japan achieved with its breeding program. Horses like Economics, along with the mares we have acquired in Europe, are key to that vision,” added Poonawalla.

In his new role, the chestnut will cover a carefully selected book of mares. “He is one of the best sons of Night of Thunder, who continues to rise as a stallion,” commented Anne.

Bred by Copgrove Hall Stud, Economics is out of the G2-placed La Pomme D’Amour (Peintre Célèbre). He was sold for 42,000gns as a yearling in 2021 before making 160,000gns at the Tattersalls Book 2 Sale. After just two additional starts at Ascot—where he reportedly bled on both occasions—his racing career was brought to an end, opening now a new chapter at stud.