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 five 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 resurgence success over hurdles 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 instead steps up to Grade One level on Merseyside.


Big @Sean_Bowen_ drive!


Grand National favourite HAITI COULEURS remains on strongly, benefiting from 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 seems in terrific shape, it's a shame we have actually not got an additional week with him, however there's no indicator in your home that he's not fresh - he appears truly well in himself," stated the Welsh fitness instructor.


"I think Saturday will be actually fascinating and we'll kind of discover 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 fit him a little bit better and highlight a bit more improvement, however at the very same time Haydock has good 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)


Reviewing his reappearance win over the smaller obstacles, Curtis added: "I would not say I was completely surprised by it, as I knew he was effectively at home and I knew he 'd enhanced a bit. Seeing the way he was travelling and leaping, I said after a couple of furlongs 'I believe he's going to win this'. I simply get that feeling with him.


"He certainly looks a bit sharper given that Newbury and he's a bit sharper in his work, not that we have actually worked him hard. I have actually basically just tossed everything 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."


Last year's Betfair Chase saw the Venetia Williams-trained Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille successfully safeguard his crown at the primary cost of Grey Dawning, who is preferred to go one much better 12 months on, with his trainer 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 said: "I 'd never desire to take anything away from the winner last year, but I simply felt the conditions got us. I'm certainly not taking anything far from the winner, but I wouldn't have minded 10mm (of rain) less.


"The race looks 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, getting out of novice business with some excellent 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 regard for those newbies showing up and likewise 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 unfinished business with the race - we'll be heading there without any excuses."


Another classy amateur 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 (right) has huge expectations for Handstands (Steven Paston/PA)


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


"I'm a realist and I believe this is his best opportunity of a Grade One this season. In our wildest dreams he might be a Gold Cup horse, however we need to be sincere 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."


Irish raider Stellar Story finishes the five-strong field.