'It was a hard ask for him' - William Haggas to ponder Economics future after colt bleeds again in Champion Stakes

The team behind Economics will have discussions about his future in the coming days after the Group 1 winner bled again on his return in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

He had bled from the nose on his previous appearance a year earlier in the race when sixth to Anmaat, and this year he could manage only eighth in a stellar field behind Calandagan. 

The stewards' report read: "Following the race, the veterinary officer reported that Economics, unplaced, had bled from the nose."

The four-year-old enjoyed his finest hour when beating Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes last September, while he also won the Dante Stakes earlier that season. He was reported to have bled after the Dante.

Speaking on Racing TV's Luck on Sunday, William Haggas expressed some regret at running him in such a prestigious race on his comeback.

Economics (navy, second left): was no match for Calandagan on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"It was a hard ask for him, and it was probably my fault for throwing him in the deep end," the trainer said. "But I’ve been very happy with him and his condition was good. He was just a bit fresh beforehand and in the race at the beginning, and he stayed on okay.

"We had a momentous season last year. To win the Champion Stakes in Ireland was absolutely fantastic, so we had a golden moment. We were so lucky to have him and he came from nowhere as a two-year-old, he just looked like a big, backward horse and then he really sprouted wings.

"We have a terrific team and everyone put their heart and soul into him. He was in really good condition yesterday. He’s a really good horse and I don’t think you’ve seen the best of him either."

On a decision over his future, he added: "We’ll see. I haven’t spoken to His Highness Sheikh Isa at length at all, just briefly. He couldn’t make it yesterday. I will be talking to him in the next few days and we’ll make a plan thereafter.”

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