Back in the day the Grand Annual used to be the final race of the Festival on Gold Cup Day. It got moved to the Wednesday back in 2021 and was also reduced to a maximum of just 20 runners due to safety reasons.
It is always fiercely competitive and has produced some big priced winners down the years. Owner JP McManus has done well in the race winning it four times and has had the runner-up nine times as well so look out for his famous silks!
Date: Wednesday, March 12th 2025 Time: 4.40pmMy quick picks for the Grand Annual Challenge
Firefox – 8/1 with bet365 The King Of Prs – 10/1 with bet365 So Scottish – 11/1 with Sky BetCheltenham 4.40 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase – Key stats and trends
Age
9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 7 and 9 3 of the last 7 winners were aged 7Price
2 of the last 12 winners were favourites 3 of the last 12 winners were in the top 3 in the betting 9 of the last 12 winners were priced 10/1 or biggerForm
1 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before the Grand Annual 9 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 92 days 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham 4 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win at CheltenhamRating
11 of the last 12 winners had a rating of 138 or higher 2 of the last 12 winners were rated 150 or higherOther pointers
8 of the last 11 winners carried 11 stone or more 8 of the last 19 winners had run in the race previouslyGrand Annual Chase preview & tips
The Grand Annual is always a fascinating spectacle and this year looks no different. It is ridiculously competitive so it probably won’t surprise you that I like 3 against the field.
The best of them is one towards the top of the market in FIREFOX for Gordon Elliott. This horse was classy over hurdles and he has done nothing wrong since going over fences. He made a winning chase debut at Down Royal and has since bumped into some very smart horses including behind Majborough at Leopardstown last month.
He potentially has a bit in hand off a mark of 149 and if he gets on the pace and jumps well I can see him going close.
Each way angle? More than one?
Another one that catches the eye is THE KING OF PRS for Gavin Cromwell. This 7yo has returned an improved invidious this term going close on reappearance at Fairyhouse before missing just half a length at Leopardstown and then winning well last time.
He beat Path D’oroux by nearly 3 lengths which was a good effort and despite being 8lb higher could still be off a good mark and comes out well on trends. McManus horses are always worth a second look in the Grand Annual so I’ve had to cover SO SCOTTISH for Emmet Mullins too at a double-figure price.
He has been out of form on both starts over hurdles this season but freshened up and back over fences with a good racing weight he could be a lurker in here.
My picks:
FIREFOX Trainer: Gordon Elliott Form: 4211-114322-1323 Age: 7 Weight: 11-5Bet on Firefox to win the Grand Annual Chase at 8/1 with bet365
THE KING OF PRS Trainer: Gavin Cromwell Form: 1311915-61F139411136F4-231 Age: 7 Weight: 10-7Bet on The King of Prs to win the Grand Annual Chase at 10/1 with bet365
3. SO SCOTTISH
Trainer: Emmet Mullins Form: 3-14495671021112-7U-4F411142452-714 Age: 8 Weight: 10-8Bet on So Scottish to win the Supreme Novice at 11/1 with Sky Bet
Last 12 winners of the Grand Annual Handicap Chase
YearHorseTrainerJockey2013AlderwoodThomas MullinsTony McCoy2014SavelloTony MartinDavy Russell2015Next SensationMichael ScudamoreTom Scudamore2016Solar ImpulsePaul NichollsSam Twiston-Davies2017Rock The WorldJessica HarringtonRobbie Power2018Le PrezienPaul NichollsBarry Geraghty2019Croco BayBen CaseKielan Woods2020Chosen MateGordon ElliottDavy Russell2021Sky PirateJonjo O’NeillNick Scholfield2022Global CitizenBen PaulingKielan Woods2023MaskadaHenry de BromheadDarragh O’Keeffe2024Unexpected PartyDan SkeltonHarry SkeltonMore Cheltenham opportunities:
Cheltenham 2025 free bets and betting offers Cheltenham ante-post tips Cheltenham 2025 Cheat sheet Champion Hurdle tips Stayer’s Hurdle tips Champion Chase tips Arkle Chase tips Supreme Novice tipsAbout the author
Joe Norris
I’m Joe Norris, co-founder and Director of GetYourTipsOut (GYTO), which I launched in 2009 to provide daily sports betting tips, with the main focus on horse racing. Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation for offering reliable and profitable tips, which led to being named “Best Sports Betting Tipster” in 2023. Alongside my work at GYTO, I also contribute predictions to platforms like Oddschecker, allowing me to share my insights with a wide community of sports enthusiasts and bettors.
Find Joe on X: @JoeNorrisGYTO
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk GambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Most read in Betting
Cheltenham ante post betting odds and tips - Get them while they’re hot The Journey to Cheltenham Festival: Tips, predictions and £20 in free bets on SBK Best no wagering casino bonuses in UK (2025) Fenerbahce vs Rangers predictions, odds and betting tips AZ vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions, odds and betting tips Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle ante post tips Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase predictions and tips )
Also on site :