FLYING COULEURS

HAITI COULEURS put up a tremendous performance to win the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse for Rebecca Curtis and Sean Bowen.

- By MICHAEL GRAHAM

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival last month when his regular Bowen missed out, the champion jockey-elect in the UK was back in the saddle and gave his mount the perfect ride up front.

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.

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 which was finishing in the runner-up spot for the second year running with Quai De Bourbon third and Dunboyne fourth.

Bowen 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 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."

Bowen - who was having just his second ride at Fairyhouse, his first being earlier in the day - 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."