Grand Annual Chase 2026 Runners

Find the latest Grand Annual Chase odds and likely runners right here. Oddschecker updates this page in real-time, so you can track the market movers and see which horses are being backed for one of the most competitive handicap chases of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Grand Annual Chase is a fiercely contested Grade 3 handicap run on Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival. Open to horses aged five and over, it regularly attracts a large, ultra-competitive field of speedy two-mile chasers from leading British and Irish yards.

First run in 1834, the Grand Annual is one of the oldest races at the Festival and has long been regarded as one of the meeting’s most challenging handicaps. Its combination of pace, precision jumping and Festival pressure makes it a standout contest — often rewarding well-handicapped runners with strong course form.

The race is run over 2 miles (2m) on Cheltenham’s Old Course and features 14 fences. The sharp two-mile trip demands accurate jumping at speed, while the undulations of the track and the famous uphill finish regularly expose any weaknesses late on.

The Grand Annual Chase carries Grade 3 status and is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 11th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival (Day Two).

Notable Winners

• Edredon Bleu – dual winner in the late 1990s who went on to enjoy Grade 1 success.
• Next Sensation – popular winner of the 2015 renewal for trainer Michael Scudamore.
• Croco Bay – landed a dramatic victory in 2019 at big odds.
• Global Citizen – front-running winner in 2022, showcasing bold jumping.

Key Race Details

• Race Type: Handicap Chase
• Grade: Grade 3
• Distance: 2 miles
• Number of Fences: 14
• Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (Old Course)
• Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – Day Two)
• Prize Money: Typically in excess of £100,000 to the winner (varies year-on-year)
• Inaugurated: 1834

The Grand Annual is often targeted by connections with well-treated, fast-jumping chasers who thrive in large fields. With pace from flagfall and minimal margin for error at the fences, it regularly produces thrilling finishes and is one of the most competitive betting heats of the week.

Grand Annual Chase FAQs

1. Who are the confirmed runners for the Grand Annual?

Runners are not officially confirmed until the final declarations stage, which takes place 48 hours before the race. The Grand Annual regularly attracts a maximum or near-maximum field, with strong representation from leading British and Irish trainers.

2. When are Grand Annual runners officially confirmed?

Final declarations for the 2026 Grand Annual Chase will be made at 10:00am on the Monday prior to the race, confirming the final field set to line up on Wednesday 11th March 2026.

3. How many horses usually run in the Grand Annual?

The Grand Annual typically features a large field, often close to the safety limit of around 24 runners. As one of the Festival’s most competitive handicap chases, big fields and tightly grouped finishes are common.

4. What type of horse profile tends to perform best?

Horses aged between 7 and 9 have historically performed well, particularly those with strong recent form over two miles and proven jumping ability at pace. Previous Cheltenham experience is often a key advantage in navigating the Old Course’s demands.

5. Which trainers have the best recent record in the Grand Annual?

Leading British and Irish trainers regularly target the race, with Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson among those to have enjoyed success in recent decades. Irish-trained runners have also become increasingly competitive in modern renewals.