The William Haggas-trained Economics was the main focus of attention in the weeks leading up to the 2024 edition of the Champion Stakes. Unbeaten in four starts in 2024, he set out to add the British Champion Stakes title to the Irish version he claimed at Leopardstown in September. However, soft ground was an unknown quantity for the son of Night Of Thunder. French raider Calandagan had no such concerns, with a late surge of money seeing the King Edward VII Stakes winner assume favouritism
Aidan O’Brien’s Los Angeles was the only other runner available to back at a single-figure price, with the Irish Derby hero arriving on the back of an excellent third-place finish in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Stablemate Continuous completed the Irish challenge but needed to improve on the form he had shown in recent outings.
Moving further down the list, the seven-year-old Iresine was older than a typical winner of this race but brought a perfect seven-from-seven record on soft or worse going, whilst Karl Burke’s Royal Rhyme looked up against it on his 2024 efforts but represented a red-hot yard and had proven form in similar conditions.
The case for the others was more difficult to make. Nashwa seemed unlikely to be seen to best effect with the mud flying; King’s Gambit looked a doubtful stayer in the conditions, and Anmaat was well beaten in a soft ground 1m2f Group 2 on his most recent outing. However, in a fine example of how unpredictable racing can be, the main event on Champions Day produced a huge shock.
Result
- 1st – Anmaat 40/1, Jockey: Jim Crowley, Trainer: Owen Burrows
- 2nd – Calandagan 6/4F, Jockey: Stephane Pasquier, Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
- 3rd – Royal Rhyme 25/1, Jockey: Karl Burke, Trainer: Clifford Lee
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £737,230
- 2nd – £279,500
- 3rd – £139,880
- 4th – £69,680
- 5th – £34,970
- 6th – £17,550
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £41
- Tote Places – 1st – £7.65, 2nd – £1.30, 3rd – £2.35
- Exacta – £165.20
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £93.99
- Trifecta – £2,335.80
- Tricast – £1,625.67
Recap
Anmaat and Royal Rhyme broke best towards the inside rail, but by the time the field reached the first bend, Continuous had tracked over from stall eight to grab the lead, followed by stablemate Los Angeles. With the Ballydoyle duo known to be thorough stayers at this trip, it appeared the plan was to make this a solid test. Of the market leaders, Calandagan travelled well but found himself surrounded against the rail, whilst Economics looked keen and was experiencing a wider-than-ideal trip.
Moving into the back straight, Continuous set a strong gallop given the conditions, followed by Los Angeles, with King’s Gambit pushed up to take closer order in third alongside Royal Rhyme. Economics was in a better rhythm now, racing alongside Calandagan, who hugged the rail. Soft ground specialist Iresine was amongst those who waited and brought up the rear.
There was little change in the order on the turn for home, as Continuous kicked on, followed by a vigorously ridden Los Angeles. Royal Rhyme travelled well towards the rail, but King’s Gambit was beginning to feel the heat.
Moving into the final two furlongs, traffic problems became a major issue as the prominent horses Continuous, Los Angeles and King’s Gambit began to slow, causing issues for those looking to come from behind.
Royal Rhyme was the first to force his way through, alongside long-shot Persica and Economics, who briefly threatened on the outside. Calandagan was forced to weave through runners but finally obtained a clear run to hit the front inside the final furlong. For a few strides, it looked like the favourite had got the job done – but he hadn’t accounted for Anmaat, who, having also been inconvenienced in the straight, came with an irresistible surge to get up and score by half a length. Calandagan second, with Royal Rhyme clinging on for third from the unlucky in-running Iresine.
A first Champion Stakes win for Owen Burrows who bagged the fifth Group 1 of his career – all of which have come for owners Shadwell Estate. This was also Jim Crowley’s first victory in the contest, going some way towards erasing the memory of defeat aboard 1/4f Baeed in the 2022 edition.
Runners
- 1. Anmaat – SP: 40/1, Trainer: Owen Burrows, Jockey: Jim Crowley
- 2. Continuous – SP: 28/1, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
- 3. Iresine – SP: 20/1, Trainer: Jean-Pierre Gauvin, Jockey: Mme Marie Velon
- 4. Royal Rhyme – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Karl Burke, Jockey: Clifford Lee
- 5. Nashwa – SP: 40/1, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden, Jockey: Hollie Doyle
- 6. Novus – Non-runner
- 7. Calandagan – SP: 6/4F, Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard, Jockey: Stephane Pasquier
- 8. Economics – SP: 2/1, Trainer: William Haggas, Jockey: Tom Marquand
- 9. King’s Gambit – SP: 14/1, Trainer: Harry Charlton, Jockey: Oisin Murphy
- 10. Los Angeles – SP: 13/2, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 11. Persica – SP: 50/1, Trainer: Richard Hannon, Jockey: Sean Levey
- 12. See The Fire – SP: 66/1, Trainer: Andrew Balding, Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
Non-Runners
Novus (vet’s advice)