Haiti Couleurs Achieves First Grade 1 Victory at Down Royal

Haiti Couleurs, recognized as Wales' highest-rated horse, achieved his first Grade 1 victory at the Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase held at Down Royal in Lisburn.

The nine-year-old horse, trained by Rebecca Curtis, demonstrated a strong performance, leading throughout the race and maintaining his pace in the final three furlongs to win a prize of 94,240 euros (£78,855). This race marked his seasonal debut, with Irish jockey Paul Townend in the saddle.

Previously, there had been skepticism regarding Haiti Couleurs' capability to compete at the highest level, as he had been pulled up in his last two Grade 1 races. This win may open the door for a potential bid in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.