FORERUNNER TO THE GRAND ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE
Although the Worcester Grand Annual Steeplechase was not formally so-named until 1847, a number of Chase races did take place in the vicinity of Worcester leading up to this date. On Friday 26th February 1841 a Sweepstake for 10 sovereigns each was held over 3 miles at Hallow when Railroad, owned by Mr Hooton and ridden by A.Gent, defeated Tenbury Lass owned by Captain Candler and ridden by Martin, and an unnamed bay mare owned by Mr Edward Dixon and ridden by Powell.

TUESDAY 23rd MARCH 1841

Sweepstake (10 sovereigns each with 50 added) valued at £110 over 4 miles at Crowle
HORSE OWNER JOCKEY ODDS
COTTON BALL Mr Clegg W Smith 10/1
NAPOLEON Colonel Charritie Carlile 5/1
RAILROAD Mr Hooton T Oliver 7/2
BLEACHER Mr Gordon F Jacobs 3/1
THE MOOR Mr Scott Scott 2/1 fav
Winner won comfortably Over round 105%

A second, less important, sweepstake was held on the same day over the same 4 mile course

SECOND SWEEPSTAKE (3 sovs each and 20 sovs added) valued at £100

1. FAIRY owned by Mr Smith and ridden by Mr C Walker

2. BRAVO owned by Mr Smith

3. MAYFLY owned by Mr Charlton

4. CHARLES XII owned by Mr Hope

5. BANKER owned by Mr Hooton

6. KATHERINA owned by Mr Baylis

7. COLUMBINE owned by Mr W Roberts

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 1841 Aintree Grand National click here.

GRAND NATIONAL FORM

Railroad was 7th in the 1839 Grand National at 9/1 behind Lottery

Columbine was unplaced at 30/1 in the 1840 Grand National behind Jerry

Columbine was unplaced at 50/1 in the 1842 Grand National behind Gaylad
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