Haiti Couleurs secured a significant win at Down Royal on Saturday, adding the BetVictor, Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase to his impressive collection of titles, which also includes the Irish Grand National and the Welsh Grand National.
Trainer Pembrokeshire expressed a strong inclination to bring the nine-year-old horse back to Ireland for his next race, the Savills Chase, scheduled for Christmas. Curtis noted that the racing style in Ireland seems to suit Haiti Couleurs well, describing the Savills Chase as an attractive mid-season opportunity leading to the spring festivals.
In the Champion Chase, Haiti Couleurs exhibited determination under jockey Paul Townend, overcoming quick ground to win by four-and-three-quarters of a length over Fleur In The Park and a short head over Banbridge. This victory demonstrated that the challenges he faced earlier in the season, including winning the Welsh National with top weight and experiencing setbacks in the Gold Cup and Grand National, had not affected his performance.
“It was exactly as I hoped he would be,” Curtis remarked following the win. She reflected on the previous season, taking responsibility for having raced Haiti Couleurs too many times, which contributed to his difficulties. After winning the Welsh National, Curtis admitted that the decision to enter him in the Denman Chase was perhaps a misstep, as it placed additional strain on the horse ahead of the Gold Cup.
Curtis acknowledged the impact that competitive races can have on a horse, stating, “He is one of those horses that puts so much into his races that he needs that recovery.” She emphasized the importance of managing Haiti Couleurs’ workload to ensure he remains fresh for significant events. Last season, he ran regularly, but the demands of higher-level races required a more balanced approach moving forward.
Despite some travel challenges—Haiti Couleurs tends to sweat excessively and struggles to eat while traveling—Curtis intends to take him to Ireland again. She commented on the mixed emotions she feels about his traveling behavior. “Although I hate seeing horses travel like that, it’s when he’s like that that he is at his best,” Curtis said.
As the holiday season approaches, Haiti Couleurs is set to resume competition, with Curtis confident that the upcoming races in Ireland will benefit the horse and his preparation for future prestigious events.
