Paul Townend partners Haiti Couleurs to Grade One glory at Down Royal

Haiti Couleurs made every yard to land Grade One honours in the BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase at Down Royal on 31 October 2026, according to RTÉ and the42.ie. Paul Townend, riding the nine-year-old for the first time after regular jockey Sean Bowen was required at Wetherby, immediately sent the Rebecca Curtis-trained Irish and Welsh National hero to the front, with Banbridge in close company in the five-runner field. Gordon Elliott's 11-8 favourite Romeo Coolio was the first of the principals beaten two furlongs out, while the 8-1 Haiti Couleurs stayed on strongly to finish four and three-quarter lengths clear of Fleur In The Park. Curtis said afterwards: "That was brilliant. He is always good fresh." She noted the horse was out of handicaps due to his rating and that she had targeted a Grade One "before the Mullins brigade" returned. Curtis flagged potential future targets including the Denman Chase at Newbury and, on Townend's suggestion, the Grand Steeple-Chase at Auteuil. Townend said: "This race isn't targeted by Willie (Mullins), as a rule nearly, so I always wanted to have a good crack at it." Elsewhere, Pic d'Orhy won the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on debut for trainer Dan Skelton.