Rebecca Curtis is hopeful that Haitian Creules can regain his form and demonstrate he is “the top horse in racing” at this Saturday’s Coral Wales Grand National at Chepstow.
The eight-year-old, who claimed victories in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse earlier this year, had a successful hurdle return at Newbury and is preparing for last month’s Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Although the Haitian Creules didn’t perform well on Merseyside, Curtis believes she has a valid reason for the underwhelming run and looks forward to seeing him perform strongly on home ground this weekend.
“He’s settled in very well at home, and we’re very pleased with him,” she remarked. “After Haydock, he experienced considerable discomfort in his sacroiliac joints, but medication given the following Monday seemed to help a lot. Carrying top weight over this distance is challenging, but hopefully, he can showcase his class and fare well.”
Curtis added, “The ground shouldn’t be too extreme either way, and he adapts well to various conditions, so I’m not overly concerned about the outcome.”
On the significance of winning his country’s biggest race, the Pembrokeshire trainer said, “It would be incredible. It’s a race I’ve attempted to win several times but narrowly missed out—like in 2013 when Tee For Three lost by half a length to Monbeg Dude. Adding that victory to my CV would be fantastic.”
Haitian Creules is among 22 horses confirmed for Chepstow’s three-mile, six-furlong event, with Tom Gibney’s 2024 Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles leading the weights at 12 stone.
Haitian Creules carries just one pound less at 11 stone 13 pounds, followed on the list by Sarah Bradstock’s Midlands Grand National winner and Betcher Chase runner-up Mr Vango at 11 stone 11 pounds.
Curtis will also enter veteran outsider Pats Fancy, currently rated 7 pounds over handicap, as a secondary contender.
“I figured there was nothing to lose with Pat,” Curtis noted. “Sometimes in the Welsh National and similar races you get surprising and exciting results from outsiders. He has grown a bit, so the extra six furlongs should benefit him, and this may be his last season. He’s won at Chepstow before and started the season well. Last time, when the pace was very fast, he struggled somewhat, but a slower pace over this long distance should suit him.”
Other strong contenders include Jubilee Express, winner of the Welsh Grand National Trial trained by Sam Thomas; London National winner O’Connell, trained by Sue Smith and Joel Parkinson; Joe Tizard’s Berkshire National winner Rock My Way; and Jamie Snowden’s Git Maker.
Fan Take: This update is a thrilling indicator for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights the return of a proven champion, Haitian Creules, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive Coral Wales Grand National. The potential for both seasoned contenders and unexpected outsiders to shine underscores the unpredictable and captivating nature of the sport, promising a memorable race.
