Grand Annual

 The Grand Annual Chase is the oldest race at the Festival having first been staged on 4th April 1834 over 4 miles of open country at Andoversford, near Cheltenham. Although that race was discontinued in the 1860s, it was revived in the early 1900s, although it was staged at various courses, notably Warwick, Melton Mowbray and Leicester. It was only in 1913 that it returned permanently to Cheltenham and has been a significant part of the Festival ever since. It is run over 1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards and 14 fences and is now classed as a Premier Handicap. In 2005 its name was updated to the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase in recognition of the part played by Johnny Henderson, father of legendary trainer Nicky Henderson, in forming the Racecourse Holdings Trust which secured the future of Cheltenham by purchasing the Prestbury Park venue for £240,000.
Early history:- The inaugural running of Grand Annual Chase took place on April 4 1834 at Andoversford, in the vicinity of Cheltenham when won by Fugleman owned by Mr R D’Oyley beating Conrad owned by Colonel Gilbert.
Grand Annual 1913 Premier Handicap 2 miles
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 COOLDREEN Manley Gore Mr L Clow 8/1
2 LEGALITE J Kay   Mr W Wilson 7/1
3 SIMONOFF Drake   Mrs Hollins 100/8
4 PICCANINNY II Ussher   Mr Ives 100/30
5 OLGAS PRIDE Foster   Mrs Whitworth 20/1
6 SELECTMAN R Morgan   Mrs F Watts 6/4 fav
7 LONGWATER A Newey   Sir P Walker 7/1
8 FERVENT J Kelly   Lord Sefton 20/1
9 RED COIL J Anthony   Mr F Bibby 10/1
10 MARINE PARADE Isaac Morgan   Sir G Bullough 8/1
11 COMINIQUE D Rogers   Mr F Phillips 20/1
12 PARAKITOE Smith   Captain Brissell 20/1

Won by 10 lengths and 6 lengths in 4 minutes 15 secs

 Over round 149%

The 1913 Grand Annual was held on Wednesday 12th March 1913 returning to Prestbury Park after a 6 year break. In early March 1913 the 'New Town Cup', designed by Messrs Simmons in a Roman style, was put on show. It was made of silver, richly gilt in bright and dead relief. On the reverse was the crest, coat of arms and motto of the Borough, skilfully engraved and enamelled in correct heraldic colours, while on the reverse side it was engraved 'Cheltenham Grand Annual Steeplechase Challenge Cup 1931'.