Grand Annual Handicap Chase

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The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase is a Grade 3 steeplechase open to horses five-years-old and up. It’s one of the oldest, beginning all the way back in April 1834. As the namesake suggests, it’s a handicap race and takes place each year in March.

The Grand Annual is the final race at the Cheltenham Festival. Free Bet odds are generally placed at 4/1, so your bookie pays you each-way bets to fourth place; you can cash in reasonably regularly. Knowing which horse to bet on is an integral part of the experience.

Grand Annual Handicap Chase: Tips and Predictions

Note: the predictions below refer to the 2021 running of this race – preview will be updated closer to the beginning of the 2022 Cheltenham Festival.

For so long the Festival finale, the Grand Annual is in a new home but will be no less troublesome for punters. SKY PIRATE has some excellent form this season, including defeats of key rivals Ibleo and Amoola Gold. He was no match for Allmankind in a Grade 2 last time but still has plenty more to offer in this sphere, especially in a strongly-run race.

Paul Nicholls has won this contest four times and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Ashutor producing a career-best today at a massive price.

Enda McElhinney‘s Selection: Sky Pirate

2021 Winner: Sky Pirate (Nick Scholfield) 14/1

Grand Annual Handicap Chase: Betting Odds

Betting odds for the 2022 race will be added closer to the event.

Grand Annual Handicap Chase: Recent Winners