Welsh-trained Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Haiti Couleurs will not run at the Dublin Racing Festival this Saturday after a cancelled ferry severely disrupted travel plans from Pembrokeshire to Ireland.
Travel Disruption Alters Festival Plans
The cancellation of the local ferry from Fishguard has forced trainer Rebecca Curtis to withdraw the Welsh and Irish Grand National winner from the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown. This logistical hurdle would have required a lengthy detour via Holyhead, creating an impractical journey for the star chaser.
Target Switched to Newbury
Instead, Curtis has confirmed that Haiti Couleurs will now head to the Denman Chase at Newbury a week on Saturday. This alternative preparation race comes just six weeks before the Cheltenham Festival, where the horse is being aimed at the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Curtis explained the multiple factors behind this significant decision: "It was a tough decision, but it just turned out there were too many negatives to taking him over."
Multiple Considerations Influenced Decision
The trainer outlined several concerns that contributed to the withdrawal:
- A minor sinus issue that required antibiotics earlier in the week
- The cancelled ferry service creating excessive travel complications
- Uncertain ground conditions at Leopardstown with further rain forecast
"When the Gold Cup is his main aim we just thought everything wasn't adding up for a good prep run," Curtis stated. "You need everything aligned to be at your best at Cheltenham and we didn't think that was happening."
Dublin Festival Field Remains Strong
The Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup will proceed without Haiti Couleurs, featuring thirteen declared runners. The field is dominated by eight entries from powerhouse trainer Willie Mullins, including dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs and the promising Fact To File.
Last season's Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin will also compete, with Keith Donoghue taking the ride. The absence of Haiti Couleurs represents a significant change to the anticipated contest, though the quality of the remaining field ensures a compelling spectacle.
Focus on Cheltenham Preparation
Curtis emphasized that the decision was made with the Cheltenham Festival as the ultimate priority. "He's all well, there are no problems," she confirmed, "but as we were using it as a prep we didn't think it was ideal only six weeks out from Cheltenham."
The Denman Chase at Newbury now becomes the crucial final preparation race before the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with jockey Sean Bowen expected to partner the talented chaser in Berkshire.
