Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge

Connections of Haiti Couleurs can anticipate to have a clearer concept of where he stands in the remaining department after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won 4 of his 5 beginner 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 return victory over obstacles at Newbury bit over a fortnight earlier, a go back to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, but he rather steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National favourite HAITI COULEURS remains on highly, making the most of a mistake from Bill Baxter to score back over hurdles at @NewburyRacing ... @rebcurtis pic.twitter.com/RtWsbcYbUW


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


"He appears in fantastic shape, it's a shame we've not got an additional week with him, but there's no sign at home that he's not fresh - he appears truly well in himself," stated the Welsh trainer.


"I believe Saturday will be truly fascinating and we'll sort of discover what level he's at, I think. I 'd rather discover this side of Christmas, because (then) you type of know where you're going after 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 match him a little bit better and draw out a bit more enhancement, but at the same time Haydock has great old straight and I think you've got to have a good stayer around there once the track's on the slow side."


Trainer Rebecca Curtis at Fairyhouse (Damien Eagers/PA)


Reflecting on his reappearance win over the smaller barriers, Curtis included: "I wouldn't state I was absolutely surprised by it, as I knew he was extremely well in your home and I understood he 'd enhanced a bit. Seeing the way he was travelling and leaping, I stated after a few furlongs 'I think he's going to win this'. I just get that sensation with him.


"He absolutely looks a bit sharper since Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we've worked him hard. I've basically just thrown whatever at him to freshen him up rather than piling loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, but he certainly looks sharper."


In 2015's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille successfully defend his crown at the chief expenditure of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one much better 12 months on, with his Dan Skelton admitting there will be "no reasons" this time around.


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


Skelton stated: "I 'd never want to take anything far from the winner in 2015, but I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm definitely not taking anything away from the winner, however I would not have actually minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race wants to have a little bit of depth to it and last season we were in the position a few of these will remain in this year, getting out of newbie business with some good wins to our name however requiring to step up.


"I constantly feel that is a tough thing to do however if you have Grade One type, then obviously they can and I have a great deal of respect for those novices showing up and likewise a great deal of regard for Venetia's horse.


"I would like to begin this year with a Grade One and I feel there is a bit of unfinished organization with the race - we'll be heading there without any excuses."


Another classy beginner 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 3 weeks earlier.


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


Pauling is anticipating to see a sharper variation of the six-year-old this weekend, stating: "I have more faith in this horse than you could ever picture - I simply believe he has a big engine.


"I'm a realist and I think this is his best chance of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he might be a Gold Cup horse, but we need to be honest and say by March things will be a lot hotter 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.