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Rebecca Curtis hailed her ‘tough little horse’ Haiti Couleurs after she and Sean Bowen teamed up for a successful Welsh raid of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.

The eight-year-old set off among the favourites fresh from a Cheltenham Festival victory and justified that status with a flawless display of jumping, leading for the vast majority of the 3m5f Fairyhouse showpiece and pulling clear up the home straight.

Ireland’s richest race had not been won by a British trainer since 2014 but Curtis was delighted to see her trip across the Irish Sea pay off.

"It was amazing," Curtis said. "What a tough little horse. It was hard taking on the Irish but he's come here and won and I'm just delighted for three amazing owners [The Brizzle Boys] who have been so supportive of me. 

"It feels like one of our best wins, I think. Just the atmosphere and everything, it's fantastic."

The win was the latest chapter in a remarkable season for Bowen, who is the champion jockey-elect in the UK.

He was in disbelief at the way his mount responded to the challenge and proved a cut above the rest on Easter Monday.

 

 

 

 

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"I can't quite believe how easy it was all happening,” he said.

"He got into such a good rhythm, he jumped amazing and what a job Becky has done this season. It's thanks to all of them. I was gutted I couldn't ride him at Cheltenham but he was primed to perfection.

“He sweated up, and it wasn't smooth beforehand, but as soon as we jumped, he got in such a good rhythm. He had such an easy time, I couldn't believe it.

"The words won't describe what it's like to win an Irish National. It's just unbelievable."

The race also marked the end of an era as Any Second Now was retired by trainer Ted Walsh after running a fantastic race to finish second.

It meant a second consecutive runners-up finish in this race for the 13-year-old, who also finished in the silver medal spot at Aintree in the English equivalent in 2022.

Walsh said: "That's the last time you'll see him, that's definitely the last time. I'm just delighted he's going out sound. 

“I would have been happy with him coming back sound and running a nice race. A win would have been fairytale stuff. He'll enjoy himself now. 

“He's been a great old horse. Any Second Now – he's well named! He ran his heart out. He did himself proud."

Willie Mullins' Quai De Bourbon finished third after starting the 11-2 favourite, followed by Dunboyne in 4th.

Mullins also had three winners across the Monday card with Last Kingdom, Blue Lemons and Sortudo, while Gordon Elliott matched that tally.

Maxxum and Found A Fifty were among the Cullentra winners, with the latter back to winning ways after finishing fifth in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.