This weekend marks a significant date on the racing calendar as Haydock stages the first domestic Grade 1 event of the season. The staying chasers are the stars of the show on Merseyside, as the runners and riders do battle in the Betfair Chase.
Regularly attracting runners who go on to contest the King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup, the 3m1½f event boasts an illustrious roll of honour. Since its 2005 debut, the prize has fallen to a host of stellar names, including Kauto Star, Cue Card, and Silviniaco Conti.
Five remain in contention in 2025, including the two runners who fought out the finish twelve months ago.
Williams Star Bids to Make History
The Betfair Chase is no stranger to a multiple winner. Silviniaco Conti came home in front twice, Cue Card and Bristol De Mai claimed the prize on three occasions, while the legendary Kauto Star won a record-setting four editions between 2006 and 2011. However, as yet, no horse has managed to win three consecutive renewals.
The latest star to attempt the back-to-back-to-back hat-trick is the Venetia Williams-trained Royale Pagaille. Since making his British debut in 2020, this admirable warrior has carried the Susannah Ricci silks with distinction on the biggest stages. A veteran of four Cheltenham Gold Cups, he has yet to win at Cheltenham but boasts an excellent record at this track.
Royale Pagaille has won five of his eight Haydock starts, including the past two editions of this event. More than six lengths too good for Bravemansgame in 2023, he successfully defended his crown with a two-length verdict over Grey Dawning in 2024. His form tailed off after last year’s win, but he goes well fresh, and his chance increases with every drop of rain that falls. With regular partner Charlie Deutsch in the saddle, he has a realistic shot of making it three in a row.
Grey Dawning Favourite to Gain Revenge
Despite Royale Pagaille’s course and distance record, it is the horse that finished second in 2024 who is the clear favourite with most firms. Following a novice season which peaked with a win in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Grey Dawning was touted as Britain’s great Gold Cup hope headed into 2024/25. Sent off as the 15/8 favourite, many expected that journey to begin with a win in this race.
In the end, Grey Dawning performed with credit on his first start in open company but had no answers for the relentless finishing effort of Royale Pagaille. Barring a no-show in the King George, Grey Dawning enjoyed a solid 2024/25 season overall, with a win in the Premier Chase at Kelso and a runner-up effort behind the talented Gaelic Warrior in the Aintree Bowl. Three years younger than Royale Pagaille and with the expected good to soft ground in his favour, he may avenge last year’s defeat.
Irish Grand National Hero Moves Up In Class
Stepping into Grey Dawning’s role as Britain’s best chance of Gold Cup glory is the Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs. Beginning the 2024/25 season on a chase mark of 122, this son of Dragon Dancer won four of six outings to climb to 154. The pick of those victories saw this strong stayer claim the National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham, before crossing the Irish Sea to register a famous success in the Irish Grand National.
The Brits strike in the €500,000 @BoyleSports Irish Grand National
Haiti Couleurs & @sean_bowen land the @Fairyhouse feature for @rebcurtis pic.twitter.com/yY0h311x8q
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 21, 2025
Having proven himself to be a notch above handicap level, Haiti Couleurs has earned his shot in Grade 1 company this season. That mark of 154 puts him 12 pounds behind Grey Dawning, according to the official handicapper, and five pounds behind Royale Pagaille. However, he may have further improvement to come and is fit and well following his comeback win over hurdles at Newbury.
Grade 1 Winner to Leave Pauling Doing Handstands?
In the days leading up to the race, the Ben Pauling-trained Handstands is the only other horse available to back at a single-figure price. Long held in high regard by his trainer, Handstands justified that lofty opinion when mastering Arkle winner Jango Baie in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown.
Skipping Cheltenham in favour of the Mildmay Novices’ Chase over just short of this trip, his chance ended when he was badly hampered by a faller. With his Grade 1 win coming over 2m4f, the Betfair Chase trip is a question mark, but he didn’t look short of stamina when winning the 3m Esher Novices’ Chase last season. Another with the benefit of a recent run under his belt, he is an intriguing contender.
Gordon Elliott’s Albert Novices’ Hurdle winner, Stellar Story, completes the field in what promises to be a compelling renewal. Tune in at 3 pm on Saturday, 22nd November, to discover who comes out on top.
