Rebecca Curtis looks to have unearthed a horse who could send her back to the big time after Haiti Couleurs put up a fine display at Cheltenham on Saturday. The Welsh trainer is no stranger to success in the Cotswolds, having enjoyed Festival glory with the likes of Teaforthree, At Fishers Cross, and Stayers’ Hurdle hero Lisnagar Oscar.
After more than four years since her last graded level victory, Curtis is feeling the thrill of what could be another chance at the top. Haiti Couleurs, who had already shown promise with two wins over hurdles at the end of the last season, concluded his chasing debut with second place at Chepstow earlier this October. Following this, he made headlines by winning at Aintree last month.
On the track at Cheltenham, Haiti Couleurs was sent off as a 4-1 shot to follow up his previous win. Under the watchful eye of title-chasing jockey Sean Bowen, Haiti Couleurs jumped accurately throughout the Josh Wyke Birthday Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. He dug deep when it mattered, crossing the finish line two and three-quarter lengths clear of his closest rivals.
The competition was fierce, with the staying-on Transmission finishing behind Haiti Couleurs, just edging out the 11-8 favorite Peaky Boy to take the second position. This win seems to underline the potential Curtis recognizes within Haiti Couleurs, who she believes is still maturing as he navigates the racing circuit.
“He just keeps improving this horse,” said Curtis, reflecting on Haiti Couleurs' development. “He obviously had a nice novice season (over hurdles) last season, but he struck himself quite badly the year before and actually missed a full year, so he’s still slightly backward for his age.”
Given his history and sturdy performance, Curtis is optimistic about the future. “With racing he keeps improving and I don’t know where he’ll end up really. I really fancied him for the National Hunt Chase because he stays all day, but Sean said he’s improved so much since his Aintree win you wouldn’t know if he’ll end up in the Brown Advisory.”
This thrilling victory has put Curtis back on the map, and she’s hopeful it’s the beginning of more successes to come. “It’s nice to be back here. We’re getting those types of horses again which will hopefully keep us on the map anyway,” she added emphatically.
While Curtis is enthused about her latest acquisition, it’s clear she’s aware of the stiff competition surrounding her. Willie Mullins’ novice chase team has been turning heads this season, with horses like Ballyburn, Impaire Et Passe, Ile Atlantique, and Dancing City showing exceptional promise. The depth of talent is sometimes staggering, much like watching “a python attempting to eat a gazelle whole,” noted racing commentators, as they ponder how to manage these outstanding prospects.
Despite such fierce competition, Haiti Couleurs’ promising performances are making waves. His route through British racing has been impressive, garnering notable interest from fans and trainers alike. There’s been talk about giving careful consideration to potential routes as he moves forward, especially with all eyes on the National Hunt Chase.
The recent success translates not just to Curtis’ horse but also specifies growing momentum behind other competing horses. Peaky Boy had garnered attention before finishing third, marking him and Curtis’ horse among credible contenders for major future races.
Overall, Haiti Couleurs’ victory and Curtis' confidence could signify not just personal redemption for her but also the ascent of her horse potentially toward high-stakes competitions at the Festival. One cannot help but feel the excitement building with each race as Haiti Couleurs seems determined not only to keep up with competition, but to make his mark as one of the leading horses of the season.
