2021 Grand Annual Handicap Chase Tips
The penultimate race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival is the Grand Annual. This two-mile handicap is the most historic race at the entire Cheltenham Festival, having first been run back in 1834, and is named in honour of the great Johnny Henderson, former owner and father of top trainer, Nicky Henderson.
The Grand Annual was moved from day four to day two in 2021, to allow the new Mares' Chase to be run on Gold Cup day.
The Grand Annual was moved from day four to day two in 2021, to allow the new Mares' Chase to be run on Gold Cup day.
2021 Grand Annual Handicap Chase Key Facts
| Date | Wednesday 17th March, 2021 |
| Time | 4:50pm |
| Course | Cheltenham Festival |
| Status | Grade Three Handicap |
| Distance | 2m |
| Prize Pool | £110k |
| Age | 5YO+ |
2021 Grand Annual Chase Odds
2021 Grand Annual Chase Tips
2021 Grand Annual Chase Runners
Sky Pirate has topped the Grand Annual betting most of the season, and he looks more likely to run here instead of the Arkle or the Marsh.
Joseph O'Brien's duo of Entoucas and A Wave Of The Sea sit just behind Sky Pirate in the betting, with Tamaroc Du Mathan, Glen Forsa and Ibleo also in the mix.
Last year's first and second, Chosen Mate and Eclair De Beaufeu have both been handed Grand Annual entries. As have Moonlighter, Pont Aven, The Shunter and Duc Des Genievres.
2020 Grand Annual Result
| Position | Name | SP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Chosen Mate | 7/2f |
| 2nd | Éclair De Beaufeu | 13/2 |
| 3rd | Us And Them | 10/1 |
| 4th | Greaneteen | 5/1 |
| 5th | Theinval | 50/1 |
Grand Annual Handicap Chase Day Card
| Time | Title | Status | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30pm | Ballymore Novices' Hurdle | Grade One | 2m 5f |
| 2:10pm | RSA Novices' Chase | Grade One | 3m |
| 2:50pm | Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle | Grade Three Handicap | 2m 5f |
| 3:30pm | Queen Mother Champion Chase | Grade One | 2m |
| 4:10pm | Cross Country Chase | Class Two Handicap | 3m 6f |
| 4:50pm | Grand Annual Handicap Chase | Grade Three Handicap | 2m |
| 5:30pm | Champion Bumper | Grade One | 2m |
Grand Annual History
The Grand Annual Handicap Chase is the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival. It's also the oldest race currently still being run in National Hunt racing.
The Grand Annual was first held in 1834. It was first run at Cheltenham in 1913 and soon became an essential part of the Cheltenham Festival.
The name of Johnny Henderson was attached to the Grand Annual after his death in 2005. Johnny Henderson was a famous banker and racehorse owner. His son, Nicky Henderson saddled the winner of the Grand Annual the following season, with Greenhope handing the Henderson family an emotional victory.
Only two horses have managed to win the Grand Annual more than once. The first to achieve the double was Top Twenty, who won back-to-back renewals in 1958 and '59.
Dulwich also won the race for two Festivals in a row. His victories in 1974 and '76 were interrupted, though, as the 1975 renewal of the Grand Annual was abandoned due to a waterlogged track.
Graham Bradley guided Pearlyman to victory in the Grand Annual in 1986. Pearlyman would go on to score two victories in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Bradley went on to ride the winner on three other occasions and remains the most successful rider in Grand Annual history.
AP McCoy managed three winners of the Grand Annual. McCoy rode Edredon Bleu to victory for Henrietta Knight in 1998. Edredon Blue went on to win the Champion Chase in 2000, and the King George three years later.
Paul Nicholls is the winning-most trainer, with the last of his four victories coming with Le Prezien in 2018.
In 2019, Croco Bay became just the second 12-year-old to win the Grand Annual when he scored under Kielan Woods.
Gordon Elliott won the Grand Annual for the first time in 2020, as Davy Russell guided the well-backed Chosen Mate to victory.
Grand Annual Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Chosen Mate |
| 2019 | Croco Bay |
| 2018 | Le Prezien |
| 2017 | Rock The World |
| 2016 | Solar Impulse |
| 2015 | Next Sensation |
| 2014 | Savello |
| 2013 | Alderwood |
| 2012 | Bellvano |
| 2011 | Oiseau de Nuit |
| 2010 | Pigeon Island |
| 2009 | Oh Crick |
| 2008 | Tiger Cry |
| 2007 | Andreas |
| 2006 | Greenhope |
| 2005 | Fota Island |
| 2004 | St Pirran |
| 2003 | Palarshan |
| 2002 | Fadoudal du Cochet |
Grand Annual FAQs?
When is the Grand Annual?
The 2021 Grand Annual will take place at 4:50pm on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 19th March.
What is the Grand Annual?
The Grand Annual is a handicap chase run at the Cheltenham Festival. This is a Grade Three race open to all chasers, and is run over a trip of two miles.
What is the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival?
The Grand Annual Handicap Chase is the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival. First held in 1813, the Grand Annual is also the oldest race currently still being run in National Hunt racing.
Who won the Grand Annual?
Gordon Elliott won the Grand Annual for the first time in 2020, as Davy Russell guided the well-backed Chosen Mate to victory.
Where can I watch the Grand Annual?
The 2021 Grand Annual Handicap Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to stream the race live on your mobile or tablet then visit our Live Streaming page for more details.
