Paul Townend has been confirmed to ride Haiti Couleurs at Down Royal, stepping in for regular jockey Sean Bowen. Bowen is unable to participate because he is scheduled to ride at Wetherby for trainer Olly Murphy.
Rebecca Curtis, the trainer of Haiti Couleurs, noted, “Paul Townend is going to ride him and he’s not a bad replacement. Sean was very keen to come over and was looking forward to riding him, but he’s got his commitments elsewhere.”
Haiti Couleurs, who has a successful history, won his first hurdle race at Newbury last year and claimed the Welsh Grand National over Christmas, as well as the Denman Chase later in the season. However, he faced challenges in both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National earlier this year.
Curtis expressed optimism for the horse’s return to form, stating, “We’re really looking forward to it. I’m really happy with where he is, and he seems in good order.” Haiti Couleurs is currently listed at 7-2 by some bookmakers for the upcoming race, which may also feature competitors such as Heart Wood, the winner of the Ryanair Chase, and Gordon Elliott’s Romeo Coolio.
