Haiti Couleurs won the William Hill Denman Chase at Newbury
By
Dylan Mohammad-Smart
BBC Sport Wales
- Published36 minutes ago
Wales' highest-rated horse, Haiti Couleurs, stormed to his first Grade 1 win in the Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase at Down Royal in Lisburn.
The Welsh and Irish Grand National winner made all and stayed on gamely in the final three furlongs to claim the 94,240 euros (£78,855) prize.
The nine-year-old, trained by Rebecca Curtis, was making his seasonal reappearance and was ridden by Irish jockey Paul Townend.
There had been doubts over Haiti Couleurs' ability to win at the top level, having been pulled up on his two previous Grade 1 attempts.
This victory could reignite a second Cheltenham Gold Cup bid.
Jockey Townend told RacingTV: "Haiti looked to be at his best when he was fresh, and I just thought it was a chance that might work out.
"Rebecca, when she sets her sights on a prize like that, usually isn't too far away.
"I don't think I've ever sent a horse for home from so far out here in my life and stayed going. He's honest, he's genuine, and he's a galloper."
