Strong Irish connection of Welsh-trained Irish Grand National winner
Haiti Couleurs became the first overseas winner of the Boylesports Irish Grand National since Shutthefrontdoor in 2014 after triumphing for Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis on Easter Monday.
The eight-year-old put up a tremendous performance to win at Fairyhouse under Sean Bowen to follow up his victory in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month.
Haiti Couleurs is owned by a syndicated named 'The Brizzle Boys', who hail from Bristol in England. It is made up of accountant Simon Prowting, lawyer James Conyers and businessman Dave McDermott.
However, there is a strong Irish connection to the owners as James' wife Helena is from Donegal.
He told RTE after the race: "There's a shout for Donegal as well. This is my wife Helena from Donegal."
Sent off at 13-2, Haiti Couleurs was in the front pair throughout along with Bushmans Pass and when that one dropped away it became a case of could he hold on.
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The Ted Walsh-trained veteran Any Second Now emerged as a big threat, as did the favourite Quai De Bourbon, while Dunboyne had also travelled well into contention.
But Bowen had saved plenty and he went away to win by three and a quarter lengths from the gallant Any Second Now – was was finishing in the runner-up spot for the second year running – with Quai De Bourbon third and Dunboyne fourth.
The winning jockey said: 'I honestly can't believe it. He was doing a half-speed the whole way round, he was hacking and at the same time I was frightened as he got fairly revved up beforehand.
'I actually thought I'm a bit too keen, as he was doing everything in second gear. I'm so grateful to everyone, obviously I couldn't ride him at Cheltenham and I'm so grateful to Becky for letting me back on him.
'He just stays very well and jumps very, very well. No words, no words.'
He added: 'To be champion jockey is all I've ever wanted and I supposed when you get it then you want to do more. I need the big winners as well and it's great that this lad has done it for me."
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