GRAND ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE

over 4 miles (50 sovereigns)
Wednesday 2nd March 1836
HORSE OWNER JOCKEY ODDS
VIVIAN Captain Lamb Captain Martin Becher ---
MIDNIGHT Mr R Greaves Mr Patrick ---
SALADIN Mr Powell Mr Powell ---
Winner finished alone. Over round n/a
This race was a Sweepstake of 5 sovereigns with 50 sovereigns added, giving it a value of £65, and was not held at Pitchcroft racecourse, but at Powick, about 2 miles west of Worcester. The race started at Pixham Ferry and ran along the western side of fair Sabrina's stream and then continued parallel with the humble Teme, and on to Powick Bridge where the race terminated on the Ham. Although 3 were scheduled to run, Saladin did not start. The two horses started at a moderate pace with Midnight leading until halfway, at which point he fell at the double fence and got away from his rider. Vivian jumped splendidly throughout and was beautifully ridden to an effortless victory by Captain Martin Becher, yet to make famous the immortal Becher's Brook at Aintree.
Later in the day a Second Sweepstake with 4 runners, valued at £55, was won by Gamecock ridden by C Walker.

The Worcester Grand Annual Steeplechase is intrinsically linked with the Aintree Grand National, its inaugural running taking place in 1836, the same year the first 'unofficial' Grand National took place.

For details of the 1836 Aintree Grand National click here.

GRAND NATIONAL FORM

None of the 3 runners ever tackled the Aintree Grand National fences.
Another famous race from days gone by, the Land O' Plums Steeplechase, formerly run at Pershore Racecourse, has now been reinstated at Worcester racecourse.

To order your copy, priced at £13.99 + £2 postage/packaging, email info@worcester-racecourse.co.uk