Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment

Rebecca Curtis has long seen Haiti Couleurs as a prospective Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will quickly discover if her "remarkable journey" with her stable star leads to more Festival magnificence in the greatest race of all.


Since winning the National Hunt Chase at the conference 12 months ago, Haiti Couleurs has actually included Irish and Welsh Grand National victories to his growing CV and further boosted his claims for the blue riband in Newbury's Denman Chase.


He is now completely primed for his to become the very first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner given that Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champ jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own defining moment in the saddle.


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


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


"It's been quite hard for them to comprise ground this week with the ground being as it is, which will suit his running design.


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 bonus offer 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 first victory in the remaining masterpiece, Nicky Henderson opts for his third with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the steps of previous Seven Barrows greats Long term and Bobs Worth.


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


"I wouldn't say he's specific to stay the trip, but I'm confident. We understand he turns 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 confident and it's the natural location to go. We were going to run in the Denman, however it was bottomless ground.


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he wouldn't have won an Arkle. But Long Run was a high-class horse. To be fair this lad didn't actually win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, but it was great 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 between 3 of them. Pick who you like, they have actually all got excellent opportunities and it's sure to be a hell of a race.


"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are just 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 could be wacky - who is brave enough, who leaps well enough and who eventually shows sufficient."


Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed a remarkable victory in that King George, with the scenes of delight including owner Harry Redknapp lighting up the festive duration.


Now having likewise kept away from the racecourse given that Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is number one in an open department.


He said: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's nothing in the field other than in 2015's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has proved they depend on Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't looked like the very 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 very fortunate to have a horse like this.


"We won the King George by inches, but I make sure this track will suit him much better. I believed he looked tapped for speed at the back of three-out at Kempton but he somehow stuck on and I've got him in great order."


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


He completed ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, but the champ fitness instructor elect has only ever had one day in mind given that his Betfair Chase heroics in the fall.


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


"He remains, he showed that in the Betfair. People are entitled to ask the question and I'm entitled to say he's done it!


"The improvement from the Cotswold Chase has gotten here, we are truly all set and I believe we will be there kipping down. Whether he's excellent enough from there, I do not understand, I just have a sensation we're going there the best we can be."