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 staying division after the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.


The Rebecca Curtis-trained eight-year-old won 4 of his 5 novice begins over fences last season, rounding of his project 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 success over difficulties at Newbury little bit over a fortnight earlier, 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 Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National favourite HAITI COULEURS stays on highly, taking advantage 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 terrific shape, it's a shame we've not got an additional week with him, but there's no indicator at home that he's not fresh - he appears really well in himself," said the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I think Saturday will be truly interesting and we'll type of find out what level he's at, I think. I 'd rather discover this side of Christmas, because (then) you sort 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 might suit him a little bit much better and bring out a bit more enhancement, but at the exact same time Haydock has great old straight and I believe you've got to have a great stayer around there once the track's on the sluggish side."


Trainer Rebecca Curtis at Fairyhouse (Damien Eagers/PA)


Assessing his reappearance win over the smaller obstacles, Curtis included: "I wouldn't say I was absolutely shocked by it, as I understood he was in the house and I understood he 'd enhanced a bit. Seeing the way he was travelling and jumping, I stated after a few furlongs 'I think he's going to win this'. I simply get that feeling with him.


"He definitely looks a bit sharper given that Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we've worked him hard. I've essentially simply tossed whatever at him to refresh him up instead of stacking 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 expert Royale Pagaille successfully defend his crown at the chief expenditure of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one better 12 months on, with his trainer Dan Skelton confessing 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 desire to take anything away from the winner in 2015, but I just felt the conditions got us. I'm definitely not taking anything away from the winner, however I would not have minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race looks to have a little depth to it and last season we were in the position some of these will be in this year, getting out of newbie company with some excellent wins to our name however requiring to step up.


"I always feel that is a difficult thing to do but if you have Grade One type, then of course they can and I have a great deal of regard for those beginners showing up and likewise a great deal of respect for Venetia's horse.


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


Another classy newbie from last season bidding to prove 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 earlier.


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, saying: "I have more faith in this horse than you might ever think of - I just think he has a big engine.


"I'm a realist and I believe this is his best chance of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he may be a Gold Cup horse, but we have to be sincere 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 attempt to take it."


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