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Pembrokeshire trainer hoping for improved fortunes at 2026 Grand National

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Pembrokeshire-based trainer Rebecca Curtis will be hoping that her horse, Haiti Couleurs, will be among the top contenders for April’s Grand National.

Aintree hosts the most famous horse race in the world, with the Festival getting underway on Thursday, 9th April, before climaxing with the Grand National at 4 pm on Saturday, 11th.

A total of 34 runners and riders are once again set to take part, and punters can already make their selections for the big day by checking out the latest odds for all the 2026 Grand National runners.

Can Haiti Couleurs bounce back at the 2026 Grand National?

Rebecca Curtis trained Haiti Couleurs heads to Aintree off the back of an impressive 12 months.

He ended last season by winning the Irish Grand National – a race which has seen a number of its winners go on to perform well at the English version of the race in subsequent years.

Victory in the Irish National was followed by another win at the start of the current jumps season, before he saw off his rivals to take the Welsh National over the Christmas period.

After finishing first in the Denman Chase at Newbury, there was optimism that the nine-year-old could become only the second Welsh-trained horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Ridden once again by local jockey Sean Bowen, Haiti Couleurs could not carry his form into the famous race. Curtis’ horse led for much of the race, but was ultimately pulled up once the pace quickened, acting as a rare setback for Curtis.

Despite the disappointment at Cheltenham, Curtis will be confident that her horse can produce in the upcoming four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong marathon.

How Haiti Couleurs ranks against the favourites

Currently, bookmakers have the Pembrokeshire-trained horse at 16/1 to add his name to the Grand National’s roll of honour. Haiti Couleurs has been given a weight of 11 stone 10 pounds to carry, putting him among the top end of the handicap.

The odds generally place Curtis’ gelding sixth among the 34 runners, leaving the horse as a genuine contender in the bid for a Grand National win.

Jonjo O’Neill-trained Johnnywho has been handed a similar chance of success, having recently won the Ultima at Cheltenham this year, but connections face an anxious wait as two other horses must withdraw before he’ll make the final 34.

Jagwar, who finished second in the same race at Cheltenham, has been handed slightly better odds at 12/1, as has Iroko, who finished fourth in the 2025 Grand National. 

However, bookmakers expect the top two competitors to be the Willie Mullins-trained pair, Grangeclare West and I Am Maximus. The former finished third in last year’s event and most recently won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. 

Meanwhile, the 2024 winner, I Am Maximus, followed up that win with a second-place finish in 2025. He’s been given the top weight of 11 stone 12 pounds – a handicap that would make him the heaviest winner of the race since Red Rum in 1974, should he emerge victorious.

 

Entertainment

Where to find reliable gambling insights online

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WHEN looking at new online gambling sites, it’s important to do your research to ensure the site is legitimate, enjoyable, and safe.

However, finding trustworthy gambling insights isn’t always easy. It’s not uncommon to come across ‘reviews’ that are biased, affiliate-heavy, and even misleading, and it can make finding a suitable online gambling site feel almost impossible. 

Luckily, there are a few ways to separate impartial guidance from promotional waffle so you can make a more informed decision – here’s how.

Stick to Independent Review Platforms 

Platforms that prioritise transparency over promotion typically offer more than a simple star rating and instead use an analytical approach. Insights from Gambling Insider, for example, are in-depth, rating online slots by taking factors such as game quality and usability, payment methods and withdrawal, and licensing and player safety into account. 

Cross-Reference Expert Analyses 

Game analyses can provide useful context for users, especially when it comes to things like user experience and withdrawal processes. However, not all content written by ‘experts’ is as trustworthy as it may seem. 

Since many review sites operate on paid promotion or affiliate models, it’s important to double check their claims with independent sources, particularly if a review seems overly positive. 

Use Official Records 

Verifying licensing and legitimacy should be your top priority when it comes to choosing a gambling site. Platforms that don’t have a license, or use an unverified one, may be fraudulent, meaning the risk of scams or data breaches is much higher.

Even if you find a trusted review site, it’s important to confirm that a site is legitimate using official records. The UK Gambling Commission, for example, has a directory of sites that are legally authorised to operate in Britain, which includes details on what license they hold. These insights can help you make a more informed decision on your next gambling destination. 

Gather Evidence From Multiple Sources 

When looking for genuine gambling insights to inform your next gambling destination, it’s best to look at more than one source. Independent review platforms can offer excellent insight into things like overall enjoyability and bonuses, and offer valuable information like what payment methods are available. But it’s always important to cross-reference the claims made with other independent sources, and complete a final verification using official records. 

By making an informed choice, you can ensure you’re using safe online gambling sites and have a more enjoyable experience.

 

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Yourythmics brings Eurythmics classics to the Torch

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Full-band tribute show led by award-winning Annie Lennox lookalike Stacy Green promises a night of eighties nostalgia in Milford Haven

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is inviting audiences to celebrate one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with a night of unforgettable hits and nostalgia.

Taking fans on a journey back in time, Yourythmics brings the music of Eurythmics to life with favourites including Love is a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Would I Lie to You?, Right by Your Side and, of course, the chart-topping Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).

Yourythmics promises the ultimate full-band tribute to the legendary duo, combining energetic musicianship, striking costumes and plenty of audience participation. Leading the show is Stacy Green as Annie Lennox.

Stacy has already earned recognition as the UK’s number one Annie Lennox tribute and lookalike, an honour awarded by the National Agents Association. She has also been recognised by Annie Lennox herself.

The production promises an evening of singing, dancing and classic songs that are sure to have audiences on their feet and joining in.

Yourythmics comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £25 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.

 

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Entertainment

Chitty set to fly into Torch Theatre in 2027

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Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society unveils musical director Angharad Sanders as work begins on next big production

MILFORD HAVEN Amateur Operatic Society has announced the first member of the creative team for its 2027 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Torch Theatre.

The society revealed this week that Angharad Sanders will join the production as Musical Director, as preparations begin for the much-loved Ian Fleming musical to arrive in Pembrokeshire in March 2027.

In a post shared on social media, the group said it was “absolutely thrilled” to unveil part of the production team for the show, describing Sanders as bringing “a wealth of knowledge from the West End to Pembrokeshire”.

The appointment comes after the society’s recent sell-out production of Evita, with members saying they were delighted to be working with her again.

The society added that rehearsals for the new show are due to begin in September, with Sanders expected to lead the cast musically as preparations gather pace over the coming months.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains one of the best-known family musicals, featuring songs that have delighted audiences for generations and a title role that is always a major draw for theatre-goers.

The announcement is likely to build excitement among local performers and audiences alike, with the Torch Theatre once again set to host a major amateur production on its stage.

Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society said details on how people can join the society and take part in the audition process will be released in due course.

 

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