Sean Bowen and Haiti Couleurs to be Backed by Chepstow Roar

The meeting will offer a blend of top-class racing, live entertainment and the unique atmosphere that accompanies the biggest day in the British jump racing calendar.

Taking place on the same afternoon as the world-famous Grand National at Aintree, the Chepstow meeting once again offers racegoers the chance to enjoy the spectacle of both events in one place – and to cheer on Welsh hopeful, Haiti Couleurs.

As in previous years, all the action from Aintree will be broadcast live on giant screens around the course, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the most iconic race in the sport.

READ MORE: Sean Bowen Arrives at Chepstow With 100 Winners Reached for Olly Murphy

The Grand National remains one of the most demanding and prestigious contests in racing, run over four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs and featuring the famous fences that have tested generations of horses and jockeys.

This year’s race carries a particularly strong Welsh interest, with Sean Bowen set to ride the leading home hope, Haiti Couleurs.

Trained in Pembrokeshire by Rebecca Curtis, Haiti Couleurs heads to Aintree with a chance of making history.

READ MORE: Cheltenham Festival to Host Welsh Battle as Sean Bowen Goes Head-to-Head with Ben Jones for Gold Cup

The front-running horse produced a standout performance to land the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow in December and now attempts the rare feat of completing a Welsh-Aintree Grand National double in the same season.

While a small handful of horses have managed to win both races during their careers, none has ever achieved the double in the same year, underlining the scale of the challenge facing Haiti Couleurs on Saturday.

Should he succeed, it would mark a landmark moment not only for his connections but for Welsh racing as a whole.

READ MORE: Sean Bowen Backs Haiti Couleurs for Gold Cup Glory After Final Step Safely Taken

Bowen, who is enjoying a remarkable season in the saddle, will carry the hopes of many Welsh racegoers, with his achievements this year already making him a certainty to retain his Jump Jockeys Championship title.

Sixth in those standings is Sean’s younger brother, James Bowen, who will also be in action at the Aintree Festival across the week, though not in the Grand National itself.

James Bowen arrives at Aintree in confident mood after a breakthrough performance at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, where he enjoyed two winners.

Reflecting on that achievement, he said: “To get my first Cheltenham winner was great. It had been a while, so it probably makes you appreciate it a bit more.

“It's an incredible place and it's also the worst place in the world when you get beat.”

Despite his own success, Bowen is quick to highlight his brother’s outstanding campaign, suggesting that Sean could reach an extraordinary milestone before the season concludes.

“Sean's doing great this season, He could achieve 250 winners this year”, added James.

That form only adds to the anticipation surrounding Haiti Couleurs’ bid at Aintree, with Welsh fans gathering at Chepstow able to follow every stride live while enjoying a full supporting card of seven races closer to home.

Beyond the racing, the Grand National Party Raceday promises a vibrant social occasion, with lively entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Racegoers will be treated to a live performance from popular tribute band The Kaiser Monkey Killers, bringing indie classics to the course, while a DJ set hosted by Escape Records in collaboration with AU Vodka will keep the party atmosphere going after the racing concludes.

The Chepstow Racecourse gates open at 11.05am on Saturday and the first race is at 12.35pm.