Grand Annual Handicap Chase
The Grand Annual Handicap Chase
The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, dating back to 1834, is the oldest race on the jumps calendar. Once the Festival finale, it moved to Day Two in 2021 and is now an even sharper speed test over the slightly shorter Old Course. The maximum field was reduced from 24 to 20 in 2019 for safety.
Always fiercely competitive, the race often produces big-priced winners. Several past runners have returned to win in later years: Croco Bay triumphed at 66/1 in 2019 after previously finishing third, fifth and falling; Rock The World was third in 2016 before winning in 2017 at 10/1; Le Prezien was eighth in 2017 yet won in 2018 at 15/2; and Oiseau de Nuit was third favourite in 2010 (pulled up) before winning in 2011 at 40/1.
No top-weighted horse has won since 1992, though Sky Pirate (2021) became the highest-rated winner since then, carrying 11st 6lb. Le Prezien’s 2018 win with 11st 8lb remains the best weight-carrying performance since Stopped in 1980. JP McManus has had four winners and nine runners-up in the race.
Wednesday 16.40 | 5yo+ | Grade 3
2 miles ½ furlong | 14 fences | Old Course
Weight: 10st – 11st 12lb (handicap)
2025 Prize money: £150,000
PREVIOUS WINNERS
| YEAR | WINNER | SP |
| 2025 | Jazzy Matty | 15/2 |
| 2024 | Unexpected Party | 12/1 |
| 2023 | Maskada | 22/1 |
| 2022 | Global Citizen | 28/1 |
| 2021 | Sky Pirate | 14/1 |
| 2020 | Chosen Mate | 7/2f |
| 2019 | Croco Bay | 66/1 |
| 2018 | Le Prezien | 15/2 |
| 2017 | Rock The World | 10/1 |
| 2016 | Solar Impulse | 28/1 |
| 2015 | Next Sensation | 16/1 |
| 2014 | Savello | 16/1 |
| 2013 | Alderwood | 3/1f |
| 2012 | Bellvano | 20/1 |
| 2011 | Oiseau de Nuit | 40/1 |
| 2010 | Pigeon Island | 16/1 |
| 2009 | Oh Crick | 7/1 |
| 2008 | Tiger Cry | 15/2 |
| 2007 | Andreas | 12/1 |
| 2006 | Greenhope | 20/1 |
| 2005 | Fota Island | 7/1 |
| 2004 | St Pirran | 4/1f |
| 2003 | Palarshan | 8/1 |
| 2002 | Fadoudal du Crochet | 6/1 |
| 2001 | FESTIVAL CANCELLED | N/A |
| 2000 | Samakaan | 9/2f |
