Haiti Couleurs Grinds Out Grade 1 Win in Champion Chase at Down Royal

Haiti Couleurs returned to his best with a Grade 1 success in the BetVictor, Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday, Sporting Life and Racing TV reported. Trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by Paul Townend, the three-mile contest took place during the Ladbrokes Festival of Racing, which was affected by quick ground and by two fences in the home straight being dolled off due to low sun, leaving a long run-in. Sent off at 8/1, Haiti Couleurs made practically every yard of the running, leading the five-strong field down the back straight for the final time. He held on by four and three-quarter lengths, with Fleur In The Park taking second from Banbridge close home. The 11/8 favourite Romeo Coolio, trained by Gordon Elliott, finished fourth, a further 28 lengths adrift. Townend, standing in for Sean Bowen, said he had never sent a horse on as far from home, adding the horse was "honest" and "a galloper." Curtis said the reception was "absolutely amazing" and suggested the Denman Chase or the Grand Steeple Chase at Auteuil as possible future targets. Haiti Couleurs is a Cheltenham Festival winner and has won the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals.