Welsh Jockey Sean Bowen Targets Historic Grand National Win with Haiti Couleurs
Welsh jockey Sean Bowen is poised to make racing history as he prepares to ride the Welsh-trained Haiti Couleurs in the upcoming Grand National at Aintree. The gelding, trained by Rebecca Curtis in Pembrokeshire, sits near the top of the betting markets, drawing significant attention from racing enthusiasts as the 2026 event approaches.
A Family Connection and Proven Success
Bowen's partnership with trainer Rebecca Curtis adds a deeply personal dimension to this Grand National bid. Curtis, who used to look after Bowen and his brother during their childhood, has maintained a close family friendship with the jockey over the years. "She looked after us a couple of times when we were young, so it's brilliant riding for Becky," Bowen, a Coral ambassador, revealed. "I've known her since I was a kid, so having a lively chance in the Grand National is always good, but especially when it's for Wales and her."
Haiti Couleurs brings impressive credentials to the table, having already secured victories in both the Irish National and the Welsh National at Chepstow in December. Bowen was in the saddle for both of those triumphs, showcasing a successful existing partnership. The gelding's disappointing performance in the Cheltenham Festival's Gold Cup is now firmly in the past, with all focus shifted to the unique challenges of Aintree.
The Perfect Grand National Contender
Bowen expressed strong confidence in Haiti Couleurs' suitability for the Grand National test. "I think he's your typical Grand National horse you want," he stated. "He stays well and he jumps, and if he turns up in A1 form he'll go well." The jockey highlighted the horse's proven stamina, evidenced by wins over extended distances, including a three-mile-six-furlong victory at Cheltenham prior to the Irish National success.
Weather conditions could play a crucial role. Bowen noted that the quick ground at Cheltenham may not have suited Haiti Couleurs, expressing hope for some rain at Aintree to create more favourable going. "I think the sort of spring weather would have done him good," he added, optimistic about the horse's preparation.
A Special Victory for Welsh Racing
A win would carry extra significance for Bowen, representing not just a personal milestone but a triumph for Welsh racing. "It would mean, I suppose, a little bit more [to win the National on this horse]," he acknowledged, referencing the family connection with Curtis. "There's a bit of a family connection with Becky, we've known each other a long time, so obviously it would be special to win the Grand National anyway. But it would be a little bit more special to win for her as well."
Bowen also took the opportunity to praise the current strength of Welsh racing talent. "I think we've got a lot of good Welsh jockeys and a lot of good Welsh trainers now," he said. "I've ridden winners for a lot of the Welsh trainers, and I've been lucky to." A victory would be a crowning achievement for this Welsh contingent.
The Unpredictable Nature of the National
Despite Haiti Couleurs' strong profile, Bowen remains respectful of the Grand National's famous unpredictability. "The Grand National is one of those races where all 34 horses will have a chance in the race," he cautioned. "It's always been that way. It's obviously a very classy race but anything that turns up in very good form on the day, they'll have a good chance."
As anticipation builds for the 2026 Grand National, the story of Sean Bowen and Haiti Couleurs offers a compelling narrative of local talent, family ties, and proven staying power, all converging on the ultimate test of stamina and jumping at Aintree.
