Second-favourite for the Derby ruled out of race in move that could cost owner £850,000
THE second-favourite for the Epsom Derby has been ruled out of the race – in a move that could cost his owner £850,000.
William Haggas confirmed impressive Dante winner Economics, who had been as short as 7-4 for the world’s most famous Flat contest, will not run on Saturday week.
Haggas took Economics out of the Derby days before his win in the key trial at York.
And Bahraini owner Sheikh Isa would have had to fork out £75,000 to supplement him back in.
But the decision has been made to not run him at all now meaning Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy is firming up as the 7-4 fav in the race worth just under £1million to the winner.
Haggas said: “After discussions with his owner His Highness Sheikh Isa, we have decided that Economics will not run in either the English or the French Derby next weekend.
“We think that the turnaround is very tight for both races and feel he is still maturing.
“As such, we will give him more time and prepare him for an exciting summer campaign over ten furlongs.
“At this stage, we feel it is unlikely that he will race over a mile and a half this year.”
Economics was a red-hot favourite for a Newbury maiden in April and won well under Tom Marquand.
Charlie Appleby’s Ancient Wisdom was sent off 7-4 favourite for the Dante but was hammered six lengths by Economics, who bled from the nose afterwards.
Haggas’ wife Maureen said after that win that she had reservations about Epsom suiting Economics.
She said: “In my opinion Economics has the ability and the ability to be that class, but Epsom is a very tricky track and he’s a very big horse.
“You’ve got to be switched on to go round Epsom.
“It’s a big ask for any horse and he’s an inexperienced big baby.”
Some punters were left gutted that Economics had been pulled, with huge question marks surrounding City Of Troy.
Aidan O’Brien’s top three-year-old colt flopped completely in the 2000 Guineas when sent off odds-on.
One punter said: “Poor decision as the Derby is poor this year and he’d cruise in.”
While another wrote: “Such a shame.”
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