🏇 Former Ospreys rugby star David Bishop is swapping scrums for squeals of delight as he savours a thrilling win at the Coral Welsh Grand National in Chepstow! Partnering with skilled trainer Rebecca Curtis, the dynamic duo celebrated as their horse, Haiti Couleurs, stormed to victory, carrying Welsh champion jockey Sean Bowen to a memorable triumph.
🏆 Next stop? Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National dreams! After this win, the odds are in Haiti Couleurs’ favour at 14-1 for Aintree and 33-1 for Cheltenham. Could they follow in the footsteps of Native River, who clinched Gold Cup glory after Welsh National success in 2016?
With an impressive crowd of 9,425 cheering on, the atmosphere was electric. The dragon roared as Welsh sporting legends, including Sir Gareth Edwards and cycling hero Geraint Thomas, joined in the festive celebrations. 🐉
Bishop, who now manages Curtis’s Pembrokeshire training base after an early end to his rugby career, was all smiles: “These are the days you live for in racing – it’s as good a feeling as anything I experienced on a rugby field.”
Curtis’s legendary training skills brought Haiti Couleurs back from a rough run at Haydock, proving naysayers wrong, and sparking hopes for even bigger triumphs ahead. Bowen gushed: “Winning a Welsh National is what it’s all about… It means so much. These are the races you want to win, and to do it on a Welsh-trained horse for a Welsh trainer is special.”
🌟 A standout moment of the day? Realising Curtis, who once babysat Bowen, had now guided him to this monumental victory, completing the dream team story!
Here’s to more wins and unforgettable moments as we watch this incredible team aim for the stars! 🌟💪