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 remaining department after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won four of his 5 newbie starts over fences last season, rounding of his campaign with big-race success 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 hurdles at Newbury little bit over a fortnight back, a go back to the Berkshire track for next weekend's Coral Gold Cup was mooted, however he instead steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National preferred HAITI COULEURS stays on highly, benefiting from an error from Bill Baxter to score back over obstacles at @NewburyRacing ... @rebcurtis pic.twitter.com/RtWsbcYbUW


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


"He seems in terrific shape, it's a shame we have actually not got an extra week with him, but there's no indicator in your home that he's not fresh - he appears actually well in himself," stated the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I believe Saturday will be actually intriguing and we'll kind of discover what level he's at, I think. I 'd rather discover this side of Christmas, since (then) you sort of understand 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 might suit him a little bit much better and draw out a bit more improvement, however at the same time Haydock has good old straight and I think you have actually got to have an excellent stayer around there once the track's on the slow side."


Trainer Rebecca Curtis at Fairyhouse (Damien Eagers/PA)


Reviewing his reappearance win over the smaller sized challenges, Curtis included: "I wouldn't state I was absolutely stunned by it, as I knew he was extremely well in your home and I understood he 'd improved a bit. Seeing the way he was taking a trip and jumping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I believe he's going to win this'. I just get that with him.


"He definitely looks a bit sharper since 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 freshen him up instead of piling loads of work into him, so I can't tell you much off his home work, however he definitely looks sharper."


In 2015's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille successfully protect his crown at the primary expenditure of Grey Dawning, who is favourite to go one much better 12 months on, with his fitness instructor 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 said: "I 'd never wish to take anything away from the winner in 2015, however I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm certainly not taking anything far from the winner, however I wouldn't have minded 10mm (of rain) less.


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


"I always feel that is a hard thing to do but if you have Grade One form, then obviously they can and I have a lot of regard for those newbies turning up and likewise a lot of respect for Venetia's horse.


"I would enjoy to start this year with a Grade One and I feel there is a little bit of incomplete service with the race - we'll be heading there with no reasons."


Another classy novice from last season bidding to prove 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 ago.


Ben Pauling (ideal) has huge 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 imagine - I simply believe he has a huge engine.


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


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