Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment

Rebecca Curtis has long viewed Haiti Couleurs as a prospective Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will quickly discover out if her "fantastic journey" with her stable star causes more Festival glory in the greatest race of all.


Since winning the National Hunt Chase at the meeting 12 months back, Haiti Couleurs has added Irish and Welsh Grand National success to his growing CV and even more boosted his claims for the in Newbury's Denman Chase.


He is now fully primed for his mission to end up being the first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner because Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champion jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own specifying minute in the saddle.


"We can't do anymore now and he's in shape and prepared," said Curtis.


"It would be great if a little rain comes. It's not a worry as such as he's flexible and has actually won plenty of times on goodish ground, but a little bit of cut might bring a bit more stamina into the race which we understand he has a lot of.


"It's been quite tough for them to make up ground today with the ground being as it is, which will fit his running style.


Haiti Couleurs is on course to represent Wales in the Gold Cup (Jonathan Brady/PA)


"We're anticipating it and we've been on a remarkable journey with him. Whatever he carries out in this will be a perk and we'll discover out if he is up to that class. It would be absolutely fantastic for everyone if it might occur."


While Curtis is looking for her very first triumph in the remaining showpiece, Nicky Henderson goes for his 3rd with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the footsteps of previous Seven Barrows greats Long Run and Bobs Worth.


The winner of the Arkle here last year, he was exceptional on his return at Ascot over the intermediate range and has actually been kept fresh since being rejected by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.


"I wouldn't state he's certain to stay the journey, but I'm enthusiastic. We understand he shows up the hill and he's got the pace to win over 2 miles," stated Henderson.


"In the King George, after he leapt the third-last there was an injection of speed and we were absolutely captured on the back foot - we kipped down 4th and completed fourth.


"We're enthusiastic and it's the natural place to go. We were going to run in the Denman, but it was endless ground.


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he wouldn't have won an Arkle. But Long term was an elite horse. To be reasonable this lad didn't truly win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, but it was fantastic at the time. He's not that quick, however he's pretty gifted.


"If you take a look at the King George form then there should not be much in between 3 of them. Pick who you like, they have actually all got excellent possibilities and it makes sure to be a hell of a race.


"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are only 2 or 3 still playing, however you could quickly see 6 or seven still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it might be wacky - who is brave enough, who jumps well enough and who eventually proves good enough."


Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man declared an unforgettable triumph because King George, with the scenes of delight involving owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the festive period.


Now having likewise kept away from the racecourse since Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is primary in an open department.


He said: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's nothing in the field besides last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has actually proved they depend on Gold Cup-winning requirement and he hasn't appeared like the exact same horse this season.


"I'm expecting something to stick its head above the parapet this year and I hope it will be us. It's an extraordinary Gold Cup and we're really lucky to have a horse like this.


"We won the King George by inches, but I'm sure this track will suit him better. I thought he looked tapped for speed at the back of three-out at Kempton but he somehow stuck on and I have actually got him in terrific order."


Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was fourth to Galopin Des Champs in 2024 and has a great record at Prestbury Park.


He completed ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, however the champion trainer choose has only ever had one day in mind considering that his Betfair Chase heroics in the autumn.


"He loves the course, he's won at the course and he's flexible on ground, as long as it's not heavy," stated Skelton.


"He stays, he revealed that in the Betfair. People are entitled to ask the question and I'm entitled to state he's done it!


"The improvement from the Cotswold Chase has gotten here, we are actually prepared and I have no doubt we will be there kipping down. Whether he's good enough from there, I don't understand, I simply sense we're going there the very best we can be."