Haitian Crules could be aiming for redemption at the Welsh Grand National next month after a disappointing performance at Haydock in the Betfair Chase last Saturday. After his impressive come-from-behind win in the hurdles at Newbury and success in the National Hunt Chase and Irish Grand National last season, he was seen as a strong contender for his first Grade 1 race on Merseyside.
Champion jockey Sean Bowen quickly realized the horse was struggling early in the race and eventually pulled him up, knowing Haitian Crules wouldn’t finish. Trainer Rebecca Curtis, speaking at Exeter Racecourse on Sunday, emphasized her continued confidence in the horse, dismissing the idea that Haydock revealed any inherent weaknesses.
Curtis explained, “He’s fine. Yesterday was just an off day. As soon as the race started, he got hit and didn’t respond at all. I knew going in that he’d be active and sweaty, but he was unusually calm. He just had a bad day.” She noted that the recent race at Newbury hadn’t been as easy as expected and likely tired him out, saying, “He puts so much effort into his races and needs ample rest between runs, which he didn’t get this time.”
Looking ahead, Curtis is optimistic about the Welsh National, which is five weeks away. “He didn’t have a tough race at Haydock, so Sean has brought him back carefully. If we can get him refreshed over the next five weeks, the Welsh National is definitely an option,” she added.
Fan Take: This update on Haitian Crules is important for horse racing enthusiasts because it showcases the resilience and careful management behind a top competitor. His recovery and potential comeback in the Welsh Grand National could inject some thrilling anticipation into the sport, reminding fans that even champions face setbacks but can bounce back stronger.
