Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge

Connections of Haiti Couleurs can expect to have a clearer idea of where he stands in the staying division after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won 4 of his five newbie begins over fences last season, rounding of his campaign with big-race victories in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.


Having blown away any cobwebs with a resurgence success over obstacles at Newbury little bit over a fortnight ago, a go back to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, however he rather steps up to Grade One level on .


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National favourite HAITI COULEURS remains on strongly, taking benefit of an error from Bill Baxter to score back over difficulties at @NewburyRacing ... @rebcurtis pic.twitter.com/RtWsbcYbUW


- At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 6, 2025


"He seems in excellent shape, it's a shame we have actually not got an extra week with him, however there's no sign in the house that he's not fresh - he seems truly well in himself," stated the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I think Saturday will be actually interesting and we'll type of discover out what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather discover this side of Christmas, because (then) you sort of know where you're pursuing Christmas and into the spring with him.


"Saying that, it is not going to be the be all and end all for him on Saturday. There are tracks that may suit him a little bit much better and draw out a bit more enhancement, however at the exact same time Haydock has good old straight and I think you have actually got to have a great stayer around there once the track's on the sluggish side."


Trainer Rebecca Curtis at Fairyhouse (Damien Eagers/PA)


Reviewing his reappearance win over the smaller obstacles, Curtis included: "I would not say I was totally shocked by it, as I knew he was extremely well in your home and I knew he 'd enhanced a bit. Seeing the method he was travelling and jumping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I believe he's going to win this'. I just get that sensation with him.


"He certainly looks a bit sharper because Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we have actually worked him hard. I've essentially simply tossed whatever at him to refresh him up rather than piling loads of work into him, so I can't inform you much off his home work, but he definitely looks sharper."


In 2015's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock professional Royale Pagaille effectively protect his crown at the primary expense of Grey Dawning, who is favourite to go one better 12 months on, with his trainer Dan Skelton confessing there will be "no reasons" this time around.


Grey Dawning is a hot favourite for the Betfair Chase (Bradley Collyer/PA)


Skelton said: "I 'd never ever desire to take anything away from the winner last year, but I just felt the conditions got us. I'm definitely not taking anything far from the winner, but I would not have actually minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race looks to have a little depth to it and last season we remained in the position some of these will remain in this year, stepping out of novice company with some great wins to our name but requiring to step up.


"I constantly feel that is a difficult thing to do however if you have Grade One kind, then obviously they can and I have a great deal of respect for those amateurs turning up and also a great deal of regard for Venetia's horse.


"I would love to begin this year with a Grade One and I feel there is a little incomplete company with the race - we'll be heading there with no reasons."


Another elite newbie from last season bidding to show himself in open company is Ben Pauling's Handstands, who looked a little ring-rusty when touched off by Resplendent Grey in the Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle three weeks back.


Ben Pauling (best) has big expectations for Handstands (Steven Paston/PA)


Pauling is expecting to see a sharper version of the six-year-old this weekend, saying: "I have more faith in this horse than you might ever picture - I simply think he has a big engine.


"I'm a realist and I think this is his finest possibility of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he might be a Gold Cup horse, but we need to be truthful and state by March things will be a lot hotter once again and this needs to be our best chance of a Grade One - we'll try to take it."


Gordon Elliott's Irish raider Stellar Story finishes the five-strong field.