16.50
SoftJohnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- Prize money: £70337.5
- 1m 7f 199y
- Class 1
- 16 runners
Runners: 16 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Cloudy
14/1 (Won)
- Win: £13.00
- Place: £2.90
Form: -15549
Last run: 46 days
W: 10st 10lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 138
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 1 |
1st May 2026 Good 2m 4f 0y Class 5 |
12st 4lb |
Bled from the nose when a fading fourth in the Aintree Foxhunters latest (2m5f, good to soft), though still had Fan De Blues comfortably behind for the second time this year; more prolific on easier surfaces but Taunton win in January reaffirmed he's effective on good as well. |
2/5 |
|
4th 22 |
9th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 2 |
12st 0lb |
Won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham Festival in March 2024 (2m, soft) and runner-up in it last year (good to soft); comfortable wins in hunter chases on last two starts (2m5f/2m6f, good/good to soft); his stamina will be more severely tested in today's hotter company but leading claims if seeing it out. |
4/1 |
|
1st 2 |
14th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 6f 54y Class 3 |
12st 4lb |
Useful handicapper who won the Grand Annual Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival (2m, soft) and was second in that race last year (good to soft); did not need to be at best to make winning hunter chase debut at Taunton (2m5f, good; main rival disappointed) last month and ought to remain a potent threat at this level. |
5/4 |
5/1
- Place: £2.10
Form: 15-F11 C
Last run: 72 days
W: 10st 11lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 139
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2nd 7 |
11th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
In touch and still going okay when falling three out in this race last year but it's difficult to ascertain where he'd have finished with a clear round; overall record at Cheltenham is 121FU, both wins in handicaps on the New course; ran creditably, one place behind Saint Segal, in the Game Spirit most recently; at the age of ten he's unlikely to find the major improvement that's needed on ratings. |
66/1 |
|
3rd 5 |
7th Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 92y Class 1 |
11st 2lb |
Acts on heavy ground; continued his progress with a good second to Master Chewy in this contest 12 months ago and he meets the winner on better terms in this rematch; subsequent form comprises two non-completions at Cheltenham and a remote fourth, albeit facing stiff assignment, in the Tingle Creek; return to this scenario puts him in calculations. |
7/1 |
|
5 |
12th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Has form figures of 112312 in completed chase starts and 121 (three handicaps) at Cheltenham; good second in the Grand Annual on this card 12 months ago and filled the same position in the Game Spirit at Newbury most recently; progressive but has the lowest rating of the field. |
33/1 |
10/1
- Place: £2.80
Form: 468F22 D
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 0lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 142
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 7 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 6lb |
Only one win from 21 starts over fences, placed seven times; a long way below his best at Cork last time and well held by third-placed Sky Lord. |
25/1 |
|
5th 1 |
6th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 1f 45y |
11st 12lb |
Useful although hard to win with and soundly beaten lately, but the handicappper is relenting; one of three runners for in-form yard |
12/1 |
|
9th 1 |
7th Mar 2026 Heavy 2m 0f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Useful chaser at his best, but hard to win with; record of 1-19 in chases is off-putting, placed seven times; tailed off in a strong handicap at Fairyhouse in January (2m1f, yielding); out of his depth along with Drumgill in a Grade 3 contest at Naas 13 days ago. |
10/1 |
7/1
- Place: £1.70
Form: 1P-F12 D
Last run: 61 days
W: 11st 3lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 145
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 |
11th May 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 4f 100y |
11st 0lb |
Classy sort who is 2-7 over fences and ran as well as he was entitled to behind Energumene in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last month; his second to Impaire Et Passe in February was bordering on a career best and he's Kennedy's pick from three stablemates. |
4/1 |
|
4th 6 |
6th Apr 2026 Yielding To Soft 2m 3f 180y |
11st 4lb |
2-6 over fences; won the Navan Listed handicap in 2024, that Down Memory Lane won last year, off 143, which was his last success; excellent effort in the Grade 2 Red Mills at Gowran in February when a 1.25l second behind Impaire Et Passe; well beaten in the Martin Pipe latest but the return to chasing is a plus; a fair bit to find on the figures, however. |
8/1 |
|
13th 4 |
13th Mar 2026 Good 2m 4f 56y Class 2 |
11st 9lb |
Well treated on best chase form, including second in Gowran Grade 2 when returned to that sphere last time, but he has never been able to show it over hurdles; his Cheltenham Festival record of P40, the fourth-place finish over fences, adds to the uncertainty. |
20/1 |
33/1
Form: 2123-5 D
Last run: 11 days
W: 10st 6lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 134
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18th 17 |
4th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track. |
50/1 |
|
18th 17 |
4th Apr 2025 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Won good handicaps at Ascot (2m5f, good) and Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) towards the end of last year; a case can be made on that form but three lesser runs have followed and he needs to get back on track. |
50/1 |
|
17th 10 |
13th Mar 2025 Good To Soft 2m 4f 127y Class 1 |
10st 13lb |
Found a new level of form in late 2024 with wins at Ascot (2m5f, good) and over C&D (good to soft); disappointing here next time but he was still going well when nearly down three out over C&D in January and the 6lb higher mark than for his latest win may not be beyond him; considered for yard that's won this race three times. |
12/1 |
13/2
Form: 4-4345 C
Last run: 38 days
W: 11st 10lb
9 yo Gelding
OR: 152
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st 1 |
4th Aug 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 2f 54y |
11st 12lb |
Smart chaser who put in two promising efforts when runner-up in the Red Rum at Aintree and a competitive handicap at Punchestown behind Plate winner Pinkerton; well held behind that rival four days ago but has leading claims back down to a more suitable trip. |
100/30 |
|
17th 3 |
31st Jul 2024 Good 2m 6f 111y |
11st 8lb |
Won a 2m1f Grade 1 at Leopardstown the season before last; returned to form when second in the Red Rum at Aintree; beaten a short head in a valuable 2m Punchestown festival handicap; finished second in a 2m4f Grade 1 at Aintree as a novice, but not certain to stay effectively enough to win a race of this high standard. |
14/1 |
9/1
Form: 01-433 CD
Last run: 32 days
W: 11st 8lb
8 yo Mare
OR: 150
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 9 |
30th Apr 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 98y |
11st 5lb |
Gave 2lb and a 6 1/2l beating to Dinoblue in last season's Grand Annual; in the frame at Listed/Grade 2 level on her three Irish outings this season but her form has been unconvincing; faded from three out when bidding to repeat her Grand Annual win; Dinoblue now 11lb superior on official ratings; hard to fancy unless addition of tongue-tie does the trick. |
25/1 |
|
4th 9 |
30th Apr 2024 Yielding 2m 0f 98y |
11st 5lb |
Gave 2lb and a 6 1/2l beating to Dinoblue in last season's Grand Annual; in the frame at Listed/Grade 2 level on her three Irish outings this season but her form has been unconvincing; faded from three out when bidding to repeat her Grand Annual win; Dinoblue now 11lb superior on official ratings; hard to fancy unless addition of tongue-tie does the trick. |
25/1 |
|
7th 3 |
13th Mar 2024 Soft 1m 7f 199y Class 1 |
11st 8lb |
Saw off Dinoblue to land this race off 8lb lower on soft 12 months ago; below par when in the frame at Listed/Grade 2 level in her three outings this season but last year's winning form has been consistently advertised by the runner-up and this mare would be a danger to all if recapturing that level. |
9/1 |
25/1
Form: -21315 CD
Last run: 52 days
W: 10st 10lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 138
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6th 8 |
15th Apr 2026 Good 2m 3f 203y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Still on a good mark despite winning twice this season (2m/2m4f; soft/good) and was 11-2 for the veterans' final over C&D earlier this month, only to depart early; has a lot in his favour so merits each-way consideration. |
16/1 |
|
12 |
4th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 203y Class 2 |
11st 1lb |
Two wins this season (2m/2m4f, soft/good) and 10l third behind an 8yo and a 7yo at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) in January; 20l fourth in another competitive handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) in February but that form is working out well and he's back against fellow veterans today; chance. |
11/1 |
|
4th 9 |
28th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 187y Class 1 |
10st 11lb |
Has a solid record (1313) over 2m/2m4f this season but gained the wins in Class 3 and finished 10l behind a couple of younger rivals, albeit not disgraced, in Class 1 at Cheltenham most recently; the 10yo looks under some pressure kept to this level. |
12/1 |
7/1
Form: 82U611 C
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 1lb
5 yo Gelding
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 7 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1 |
11st 4lb |
3-1 favourite when easily winning the 23-runner Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month in reapplied cheekpieces (retained); hit with a 10lb rise but that may not stop this 7yo, who could still have more to offer. |
4/1 |
|
1st 9 |
10th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 44y Class 1 |
11st 0lb |
Four chase wins for other yards, most recently in February 2024; 0-4 for this trainer but he achieved a lifetime best when close up on the New course (about 2m4f, good to soft) in December 2024, off this mark to an improver; has a strong record in other races here and looks to retain all his ability since back from an absence; regular cheekpieces refitted; rock-solid contender. |
4/1 |
|
2nd 1 |
2nd Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 110y Class 3 |
12st 0lb |
Useful on his day, particularly in cheekpieces which were missing when he seemed to need the outing over Christmas on return from 12-month layoff; with the headgear again left off, the market may offer extra guidance. |
11/4 |
14/1
Form: -22513 BF
Last run: 39 days
W: 11st 7lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 149
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd 6 |
25th Apr 2026 Good 1m 7f 99y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Smart front-runner whose Grade 1 form features three wins at Leopardstown (2m1f) in 2024/2025 and neck second, showing career-best form, at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) on latest start; one of the main contenders back down in distance. |
7/2 |
|
2nd 7 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 3f 200y Class 1 |
11st 10lb |
Tailed off at Leopardstown in February when the soft ground was against him and a visor replaced his usual cheekpieces, which return today; prior to that he posted a third Grade 1 win at Leopardstown (2m1f, yielding) in December; there's a question mark regarding the step back up in trip for this front-runner but his trainer won this twice in a row with Fakir d'Oudairies in 2021 and 2022, and this 8yo arrives fresh after just two starts this winter; chance. |
9/1 |
|
5th 6 |
1st Feb 2026 Soft To Heavy 2m 1f 0y |
11st 12lb |
Made huge progress last season, emerging from handicaps to win two Grade 1s over C&D including this race, beating Marine Nationale; wasn't as good at Cheltenham and Punchestown after but returned to again get the better of his old rival back over C&D last time; is at his best around this track, but the testing ground isn't in his favour; visor replaces cheekpieces. |
3/1 |
8/1
Form: P2-021 D
Last run: 39 days
W: 10st 12lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 140
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 3 |
21st Feb 2026 Soft 2m 0f 16y Class 2 |
11st 4lb |
Quirky customer who tends to idle when striking the front and needs to be produced with a well-timed challenge; on a good mark now and Kielan Woods knows his foibles well but he's seemingly on the downgrade and always comes with extra risk. |
11/2 |
|
5th 4 |
24th Jan 2026 Soft 2m 0f 78y Class 2 |
10st 12lb |
Back in better form, albeit wilted a bit late on, at Wetherby (1m7f, soft) last time and remains below last winning mark but continues to carry risk, being a quirky sort. |
8/1 |
12/1
Form: 1F-242 D
Last run: 46 days
W: 11st 1lb
8 yo Filly
OR: 143
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15th 2 |
16th Nov 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 50y |
11st 12lb |
Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; has been chasing lately; trainer appears to have stronger candidates. |
12/1 |
|
15th 2 |
16th Nov 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 50y |
11st 12lb |
Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; has been chasing lately; trainer appears to have stronger candidates. |
12/1 |
|
6th 1 |
1st Nov 2024 Good To Yielding 2m 0f 100y |
12st 0lb |
Five-time winner including over hurdles in America 12 months ago, not long after opening her chase account at Galway; out of her depth in a Grade 2 chase at Punchestown festival; had a run over hurdles before 12l second to The Banger Doyle on handicap debut at Cork. |
7/2 |
25/1
Form: -21918
Last run: 39 days
W: 10st 5lb
8 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7th 7 |
2nd May 2026 Good To Yielding 3m 0f 90y |
11st 12lb |
Both chase wins have been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, however, and needs to be revitalised by this switch to the banks; ground should suit. |
14/1 |
|
10th 7 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 100y |
10st 10lb |
Both chase wins hae been in quite valuable 2m1f handicaps (yielding), most recently at Fairyhouse in November 2024; below best this season, beaten nearly 20l over same trip at Leopardstown over Christmas on latest; cheekpieces now added to usual tongue-tie. |
16/1 |
|
1 |
26th Oct 2025 Good To Yielding 2m 3f 130y |
12st 0lb |
One of two for trainer; Leopardstown St Stephen's Day handicap chase winner in 2023 (2m1f, soft); returned to form when winning a Fairyhouse handicap in November and beaten a short head at Leopardstown in race she won year prior; out of form in three runs since and still 6lb above last winning mark; likely best watched for now. |
20/1 |
25/1
Form: 7-52P6 D
Last run: 46 days
W: 10st 5lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 133
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4th 4 |
26th May 2026 Good 2m 0f 219y Class 4 |
11st 2lb |
Has been well out of form since returning in September from a break and has offered little switched to hunter chases this year; now back in handicap company for his leading stable and down to a potentially workable mark, but recent efforts temper enthusiasm. |
2/1 |
|
4th 1 |
19th Mar 2026 Good To Soft 2m 4f 11y Class 4 |
12st 6lb |
Odds-on third in this race last year before comfortably making all in Stratford hunter chase (2m1f, good) in May; hasn't got near the latter form in eight starts since September however and latest pulled up, despite attracting some support, was a third non completion in a row; others look safer. |
7/2 |
|
1 |
13th Feb 2026 Soft 3m 0f 38y Class 5 |
12st 6lb |
He was in better form when runner-up in this last year having won his previous race; very disappointing when pulled up back here just before Christmas and then unseated at Ludlow when 33-1; hard to trust right now. |
11/2 |
12/1
Form: 1722-3 D
Last run: 27 days
W: 10st 4lb
7 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5th 4 |
4th Apr 2026 Good 2m 4f 216y Class 3 |
11st 10lb |
Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following a near-miss at Carlisle with a creditable third at Newbury (2m, good to soft) in February; still looks feasibly treated and he was a dual chase winner (2m/2m4f) in his youth; dangerous back up in trip. |
15/2 |
|
3rd 2 |
27th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 2m 0f 92y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won over hurdles in November and has done well on his belated return to fences, following his fourth at Haydock with a near miss at Carlisle (2m, good to soft); Isabelle Ryder again claims her 5lb and this 9yo is up 3lb in future. |
9/2 |
|
2nd 4 |
16th Feb 2026 Good To Soft 1m 7f 207y Class 3 |
11st 11lb |
Won over hurdles at Windsor (2m, good to soft) in November and respectable fourth at Haydock (2m, good to soft) last month on first chase start since March 2024; has run well on both visits here; might not be far away. |
7/2 |
25/1
Form: 411136 D BF
Last run: 20 days
W: 10st 4lb
6 yo Gelding
OR: 132
| Place / No / Draw |
Date / Going /
Distance / Class |
Time + Course Horse + Weight Jockey / Trainer |
Verdict | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9 |
30th Apr 2026 Yielding 2m 0f 75y |
11st 6lb |
Won the Dan & Joan Moore at Fairyhouse (2m1f, soft) early last year; well held by Western Diego on running in the same race this year; uneven form over the last 15 months; fell three out in the Topham when 50-1 chance. |
25/1 |
|
27 |
10th Apr 2026 Good To Soft 2m 5f 19y Class 1 |
10st 2lb |
Won a quality handicap at Fairyhouse (2m1f, soft) last January and he ran okay when eighth in this last year, beaten nearly 19l; however, he's only 4lb lower this time around and has struggled this season. |
33/1 |
|
4th 9 |
14th Jan 2026 Yielding 2m 1f 30y |
10st 8lb |
Beat stablemates Path D'Oroux and Midnight It Is in this race last year; hard to fancy on this season's form; down the field at Leopardstown since remote fifth behind Drumgill over C&D. |
10/1 |
Non-runners
Dancing On My Own
+o+e Accumulators
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £94.00 |
| Straight Forecast | £82.07 |
| Tricast | £777.93 |
| Trifecta | £1402.30 |