In a stunning display of stamina and courage, the horse Haiti Couleurs secured a famous victory in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on Saturday, carrying a colossal weight of 11st 13lb to triumph. The win sparked immediate speculation that the British-trained contender could end a long drought in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
A Front-Running Masterclass at Chepstow
The eight-year-old gelding, trained in Pembrokeshire by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by reigning champion jockey Sean Bowen, delivered a performance reminiscent of past greats. Bowen, demonstrating his trademark boldness, seized the initiative early. Despite the heavy burden and the marathon distance, he allowed Haiti Couleurs to stride into the lead on the first circuit and never saw another rival.
The victory drew clear parallels with Native River's win in the same race in 2016, a feat that preceded his Gold Cup success 15 months later. Haiti Couleurs powered clear from O'Connell turning for home and maintained a relentless gallop to the finish line.
Home Victory Holds Special Meaning for Welsh Connections
For both trainer and jockey, this was a first victory in their 'home' National, adding a profound layer of significance. "I'm absolutely delighted to get him back," said Curtis, referencing the horse's disappointing previous run in the Betfair Chase. "He's done that so well and aggressively today, he outclassed them."
Bowen, narrowly denied in the King George VI Chase just a day earlier, was thrilled with the compensation. "It means so much," he stated. "To do it on a Welsh-trained horse for a Welsh trainer is special." He revealed a personal connection, noting that Curtis used to babysit him as a child, making the win "a bit like doing it for family."
Gold Cup and Grand National Treble on the Horizon
This win marks Haiti Couleurs' second 'National' success, following his triumph in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April. Bookmakers were quick to react, slashing his price for a historic Grand National treble at Aintree in the spring. Paddy Power now offer him at 14-1 (from 20-1) for the world's most famous steeplechase.
More immediately, the performance has positioned him as a credible British hope for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup. With Native River being the last British-trained winner in 2018, the home team is eager for a challenger. Haiti Couleurs already boasts Cheltenham Festival form, having won the National Hunt Challenge Cup last season. His current price of 33-1 for the Blue Riband event is expected to shorten if connections confirm it as a target.
The Christmas racing programme has now potentially unveiled two home contenders for the Gold Cup, with Friday's King George VI Chase winner, The Jukebox Man, representing England and Haiti Couleurs flying the flag for Wales. For now, Curtis and her team are savouring a monumental home victory, with the promise of even greater days ahead.
