Our horse racing editors and me have joined forces at BetVictor to bring you insightful Grand Annual Chase tips for 2024.
Discover expert grand annual chase tips to help you make informed bets on this celebrated horse racing event. Identify key contenders, evaluate jockey stats and navigate betting strategies with our straight-to-the-point analysis.
We’re offering Non Runner No Bet on all our Cheltenham Festival odds this year. So if the horse you backed beforehand doesn’t race, your stake will be refunded.
Grand Annual Chase Overview
The Grand Annual Chase has been a cornerstone of horse racing since its inaugural run on April 4, 1834. Not only is it the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival, but it also stands as the oldest chase in the current National Hunt calendar.
This prestigious race showcases a rich tradition in the sport of horse racing, a testament to its historical significance within the Cheltenham Festival and beyond.
When is the Grand Annual Chase?
This year’s Grand Annual takes place Wednesday 13 March 2024 at 16:50.
Previously the final race on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand Annual Chase has been rescheduled since 2022. It now holds the penultimate position on Day 2 of the festival, bringing with it a fresh perspective to the day’s events.
How long is the course?
Spanning a distance of over 1 miles and 7 furlongs, the Grand Annual Chase is contested on the new course at Cheltenham. This course, meticulously designed to test the mettle of horse and rider, includes a series of 14 fences that must be jumped with precision and agility.
What Grade is the Grand Annual Handicap Chase?
The Grand Annual Chase was previously classed as Grade 3 but was changed to being a Premier Handicap following the Grade 3 status being renamed by the BHA in 2023.
Expert Tips and Predictions for the 2024 Grand Annual Chase
No matter how much you study the history and statistics of the Grand Annual Chase, predicting the outcome of a race can never be an exact science. But, expert tips and predictions based on analysis of our horse racing odds and informed insight could help you when it comes to placing your bets.
This year, favourites for the 2024 Grand Annual Chase include top contenders such as My Mate Mozzie, Saint Roi and Madara.
BetVictor’s Best Bets
If you’re looking to place a bet with us, here are some pointers to keep an eye out for if you want to make your best bet for the Grand Annual handicap chase:
- The historical track record of the horses
- Grand Annual Chase trends analysis
- Previous winners
- Expert tips
- An in-depth form analysis
You can also check out our Horse Racing Bet Finder where you can find an edge before placing your bets.
The Favourites to Win:
- My Mate Mozzie – priced at 8/1*
- Saint Roi – priced at 8/1*
- Madara – priced at 10/1*
Potential Upsets
Potential upsets, rather than the favourites, often add an element of surprise and excitement to the race. This year, one potential dark horse contender is Gaelic Warrior, trained by Willie Mullins.
Though there are no specific upsets predicted for the 2024 Grand Annual Chase currently, the unpredictable nature of horse racing means anything can happen on race day.
- Homme Public – priced at 20/1* and co-trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. Homme Public knows its way around the Cheltenham track and recently won the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the November Meeting in 2023.
- Al Zarquaan – priced at 33/1* and trained by Sam England. Al Zarquaan’s racecard looks good on paper, 3, 4, 1, 1, 1, 1. Although looks can be deceiving as he won in races with no more than 8 runners. Can he measure up to the Grand Annual where there will be 20-something runners to beat?
Returning Champions
- Maskada – priced at 16/1* and trained by Henry de Bromhead. Can they go for round 2?
- Global Citizen – priced at 25/1* and trained by Ben Pauling. Global Citizen won the 2022 renewal but was beaten to the punch in 2023 by Maskada and Dinoblue.
Grand Annual Trends and Stats
Where have the favourites finished over the years? Below you’ll see where each have placed over the last 20 renewals (latest to oldest):
2, 2, F, 1, 10, F, 8, 3, (4, PU), (2, 3), 1, 12, 7, PU, 8, 2, 6, F, 14, 1*
*Information pulled from Racing Post.
The biggest outsider to win was Croco Bay in 2019 at odds of 66/1 and led to victory by jockey Kielan Woods.
A horse’s performance in the Grand Annual Chase can be significantly influenced by factors such as age, weight and the jockey they’re paired with. Historical data suggests that the majority of recent winners fall within the age range of 7 to 9 years old.
Trainer Insights
A skilled and experienced trainer is often key to a horse’s success. In the history of the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, few trainers have been as successful as Paul Nicholls, who boasts four victories in the event.
Top Trainers to watch at the Grand Annual Handicap Chase:
- Paul Nicholls (4 wins, 7 placings, 36 runners)
- Nicky Henderson (2 wins, 12 placings, 40 runners)
- Jonjo O’Neill (1 win, 3 placings, 14 runners)
Other notable trainers include Henry de Bromhead, Gordon Elliott and Nigel Twiston-Davies. In fact, Henry de Bromhead landed his first win at this race in 2023, when Maskada dominated the headlines for being a 22/1 winner.
Jockey Performance
In the Grand Annual Chase, as in all horse racing, the role of the jockey is paramount. Accomplished jockeys such as Kielan Woods and Paddy Brennan have left a mark on the history of the race, with Woods securing the most wins. The experience of a jockey, particularly previous experience in the Grand Annual Chase, can significantly impact the outcome of the race.
Best performing riders at the Grand Annual:
- Kielan Woods (2 wins, 3 placings, 6 runners)
- Paddy Brennan (1 win, 4 placings, 12 runners)
- Sam Twiston-Davies (1 win, 1 placing, 10 runners)
Tips for Responsible Betting and Enjoying the Cheltenham Festival
It’s important to bet responsibly and carefully when placing wagers on any race at the Cheltenham Festival. Never bet more than you can afford to lose as no stake is guaranteed a win. Here’s some advice on minimising losses:
- Research the horses and the race.
- Set up deposit limits and product restrictions.
- Check out our Safer Gambling Portal for advice on how to gamble responsibly.
But remember, as with all forms of betting, a win is never guaranteed. Responsible betting ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience.
*All odds are correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Grand Annual Chase is the oldest race at the Cheltenham Festival and holds significant historical and prestigious value in the world of horse racing.
Some of the top contenders in the 2024 Grand Annual Chase include My Mate Mozzie, Saint Roi, Madara, Sharjah, Captain Conby, and Letsbeclearaboutit. These are the leading choices for the race.
Bet responsibly during the Cheltenham Festival by setting deposit limits to control your betting activity, and seek support from dedicated websites if you encounter difficulties with gambling.
