Paul Townend to Ride Haiti Couleurs in Down Royal Champion Chase

Paul Townend is set to partner top stayer Haiti Couleurs in the BetVictor, Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase (3.15) at Down Royal on Saturday, according to the Racing Post and RTÉ. The Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis's nine-year-old will be ridden by Townend, who deputises for regular jockey Sean Bowen. Bowen, who partnered the horse on his last seven starts, is required at Wetherby. Curtis said Townend was "not a bad replacement," adding, "it's nice to have Paul back on board one of mine." Townend has ridden 12 winners from 56 rides for Curtis, though all came in Britain, and he is yet to win in four rides in Ireland for the stable. Haiti Couleurs recorded three wins from six starts last season, including the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase, but was pulled up in the Betfair Chase and finished 14th in the Grand National. He won the Irish Grand National in spring 2025. Curtis said the horse "summered really well" and is "back to his very best," noting his jet-black coat. Priced as short as 7-2, Haiti Couleurs faces six rivals, including Ryanair Chase winner Heart Wood, Affordale Fury, Fleur In The Park, Banbridge and Romeo Coolio.