CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL returns on March 14, including the famous Grand Annual Steeple Chase.
The first-ever Grand Annual Steeple Chase was run on April 4 1834, making it the oldest race in the horse racing calendar.
Grand Annual Steeple Chase at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival
This Cheltenham classic even predates the illustrious Grand National.
Last year, 28/1 underdog Global Citizen won the prestigious race.
What is the Cheltenham Grand Annual Steeple Chase?
The race usually takes place on day two of the Cheltenham festival.
This year, the race will be run on Wednesday, March 15, at 16:50.
This Cheltenham classic has a total distance of 1m 7f 199 over 13 fences.
All horses must be aged 5 and above to take part in the Grand Annual.
The winner gets a massive prize of £70,337.
What happened to the Cheltenham Grand Annual Steeple Chase Cup?
In February 2023, the famous trophy was stolen during a break-in at Camelot Silverware in Sheffield.
The cup was being worked on ahead of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, which is set to get underway just a month on from the break-in.
A statement from South Yorkshire Police said: “Several items of silverware were taken during the burglary, including the famous and distinctive Grand Annual Steeple Chase Cheltenham trophy, which was being worked on ahead of the Cheltenham Festival in March.”
Has the Cheltenham Grand Annual Steeple Chase Cup been found?
Thankfully, the famous horse racing trophy has been recovered, just weeks before the race is set to take place.
A statement from South Yorkshire Police read: “A valuable trophy which was being worked on ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and was taken during a burglary at Camelot Silverware on Gibraltar Street earlier this month has now been recovered. Thank you to all who shared our appeal.
“No arrests have been made.”
This year’s favourite to win the restored trophy is Willie Mullins’ Dinoblue at 7/1.
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.