Haiti Couleurs Cruises to Irish Grand National Glory for Curtis and Bowen

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Haiti Couleurs Cruises to Irish Grand National Glory for Curtis and Bowen

 

A Commanding Victory in Ireland’s Premier Staying Chase

Rarely has an Irish Grand National been won with such apparent ease, but Haiti Couleurs made the 2025 renewal look effortless as he galloped to a famous win for Rebecca Curtis and soon-to-be British champion jockey Sean Bowen. The powerful gelding’s triumph at Fairyhouse marked a significant milestone, becoming the first British-trained winner of the historic contest since Shutthefrontdoor landed the spoils in 2014.

Adding to his emphatic win in last month’s National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, Haiti Couleurs once again demonstrated his relentless stamina and textbook jumping, reinforcing his rapid rise through the staying ranks.

 

Soft Ground, But No Slog

Although the conditions suggested a gruelling test—3m5f on soft ground—the race unfolded far more tamely than many had anticipated. Bowen, aboard the eventual winner, and Philip Enright on Bushmans Pass, dictated the tempo from the front, cruising through the opening stages without engaging in any early fireworks.

The modest pace allowed Haiti Couleurs to travel comfortably, with Bowen expertly nursing his energy throughout. His poise in the saddle has delivered an exceptional tally of 172 winners in Britain this season, and he brought that same composed assurance to his ride here.

As they approached the final half-mile, Bowen began to edge closer to the leaders. Haiti Couleurs was still tanking along while others toiled. Once Bushmans Pass weakened, and the chasing pack began to close in, the gears clicked into motion—Bowen barely had to ask.

 

Rivals Unable to Land a Blow

While Dunboyne and the evergreen Any Second Now tried valiantly to lay down a challenge turning in, it quickly became clear they were chasing shadows. Haiti Couleurs bounded over the final two fences with the same sharpness he’d shown all the way around, never losing rhythm or momentum.

Although Quai De Bourbon, the 11-2 favourite, finished strongly to claim third, it was Any Second Now who mounted the most spirited late bid, raising hopes of a fairytale finish. Briefly, it seemed the veteran might at last break his Grand National curse—but Haiti Couleurs had other ideas, pulling clear once more to score by a decisive three and a quarter lengths at 13-2.

 

A Sweet Success for Curtis

“This is amazing,” Curtis beamed post-race. “He’s such a tough little horse. It’s always a big ask taking on the Irish on their home turf, but he’s come here and delivered. I’m thrilled for the owners, The Brizzle Boys, who’ve always stood by me.”

While Curtis is no stranger to the big stage—having trained At Fishers Cross, O’Faolains Boy, Lisnagar Oscar, and Joe Farrell, among others—this win felt particularly meaningful.

“It feels like one of our best,” she added. “The whole occasion, the crowd, the atmosphere—it’s just brilliant.”

 

Bowen’s Big-Race Masterclass

Bowen was left stunned by how effortlessly his mount carried him through the race. It’s another feather in the cap for a jockey on the brink of sealing the British Champion Jockey title at Sandown this weekend—a fitting precursor to the crowning moment of his season.

 

Any Second Now Bows Out with Honour

While the day belonged to Haiti Couleurs, there was a poignant subplot in the farewell of Any Second Now, who once again ran his heart out to claim second. It marked a fourth placing in a major National, following his runner-up effort at Fairyhouse last year and two heroic finishes in the Aintree Grand National.

Trainer Ted Walsh confirmed the thirteen-year-old’s retirement following the race:

“He’s been with us nine seasons, and that’s it now. I’m just happy he’s come out of it safe and sound. No excuses—he was beaten by a better horse today, and he’s done himself proud.”

In retirement, Any Second Now leaves behind a legacy of near-misses and undoubted courage—an enduring fan favourite who ran with heart, time and again.