Haiti Couleurs Stepping Up For Betfair Chase Challenge

Connections of Haiti Couleurs can expect 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 four of his 5 amateur 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 triumph over hurdles at Newbury little 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 strongly, taking advantage 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 additional week with him, but there's no indicator in the house that he's not fresh - he appears really well in himself," said the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I believe Saturday will be really interesting and we'll type of find out what level he's at, I guess. I 'd rather learn this side of Christmas, due to the fact that (then) you type of understand 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 fit him a little bit much better and draw out a bit more improvement, but at the exact same time Haydock has excellent old straight and I believe you have actually got to have a good 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 added: "I wouldn't state I was totally shocked by it, as I understood he was effectively in the house and I understood he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was travelling and jumping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I believe he's going to win this'. I just get that feeling with him.


"He absolutely 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 thrown whatever at him to refresh him up rather than piling loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, however he certainly looks sharper."


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


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


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


"The race seeks to have a bit of depth to it and last season we were in the position a few of these will be in this year, stepping out of newbie company with some great wins to our name however needing to step up.


"I constantly feel that is a hard thing to do but if you have Grade One type, then obviously they can and I have a great deal of regard for those newbies showing up and also a lot of regard for Venetia's horse.


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


Another high-class novice from last season bidding to show himself in open business 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 ago.


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


Pauling is expecting 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 just think he has a huge engine.


"I'm a realist and I believe this is his best chance of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he might be a Gold Cup horse, however we have to be truthful and say by March things will be a lot hotter once again and this needs to be our best opportunity of a Grade One - we'll attempt to take it."


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