Haiti Couleurs secured a commanding seven-length victory in the Grade Two William Hill Denman Chase at Newbury, strengthening its credentials for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by Sean Bowen, the horse dictated the pace from the front and held off challengers on testing ground. The win has shortened its odds to 7-1 for the March 13 Gold Cup.
The Denman Chase, a key trial for the Cheltenham Festival, unfolded on Saturday at Newbury racecourse amid deep, demanding conditions. Haiti Couleurs, the 5/6 favorite and winner of both the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals, made all the running under jockey Sean Bowen. Despite an initial lack of fluency from rival L’Homme Presse, who jumped left early on, Haiti Couleurs powered clear down the home straight, winning by seven lengths while receiving two pounds from the runner-up.
Trainer Rebecca Curtis expressed relief post-race, noting the high expectations: “I was so nervous coming here today... I’m just glad it is out the way. That is the way he likes to be ridden. He likes dictating from the front.” She highlighted the horse's affinity for undulating tracks like Cheltenham, adding, “The up and down hills will suit him.” Bowen echoed her sentiments, praising the horse's turn of foot: “I thought he showed a bit of a turn of foot when they came to me. I was surprised how well he did quicken... He loves Cheltenham which is a big asset.”
The victory positions Haiti Couleurs alongside British contenders like The Jukebox Man and Jango Baie at single-figure odds for the Gold Cup, the last British-trained winner of which was Native River in 2018. L’Homme Presse's trainer, Venetia Williams, remained optimistic despite the defeat: “He has run a good race... I’m very happy.” Meanwhile, in another notable trial, Lulamba maintained its unbeaten record over fences in the Game Spirit Chase, emerging as the favorite for the Arkle Trophy at 11-8 odds.
This performance offers hope that Irish dominance at Cheltenham may be challenged, with Haiti Couleurs set to freshen up ahead of the festival.
