JOHNNY Henderson was a horse racing man through and through, as well as being the father of renowned trainer Nicky Henderson.
Here we take a look at why there’s a race named in Johnny’s honour at the Cheltenham Festival 2025, which runs from March 11 to 14.
PATrainer Nicky Henderson is the son of Johnny Henderson[/caption]
Who was Johnny Henderson?
John Ronald Henderson was born on May 6, 1920.
He was a pivotal figure in the world of horse racing.
Born into a family with a passion for racing, Johnny was an amateur jockey, racehorse owner and breeder.
He also served in the 12th Royal Lancers during World War 2.
After the second battle of El Alamein in 1942, he was chosen by General Bernard Montgomery to be one of his Aide-de-camps.
Johnny held this role for four years, from 1942 to 1946, serving alongside Montgomery during key Allied campaigns.
He was awarded an MBE in 1945, as well as OBE and CVO in 1985.
In 1949, Johnny married Sarah Beckwith-Smith, with whom he had two sons and a daughter.
Saving Cheltenham
Arguably his most significant contribution to horse racing came in 1963 when he spearheaded efforts to save Cheltenham Racecourse from being sold to property developers.
He organized a group of investors to purchase the racecourse for £240,000, founding the Racecourse Holdings Trust (RHT) shortly afterwards.
The non-profit ensured that revenues from the racecourse were reinvested into racing, safeguarding its future and preserving it as one of Britain’s premier venues for National Hunt racing.
Johnny died on December 6, 2003 at the age of 83. No cause of death has been reported.
Further contributions
Johnny Henderson’s dedication to horse racing extended beyond Cheltenham.
As the financial architect behind RHT, he helped rescue several struggling racecourses during a time when broadcasting revenues were not yet sufficient to sustain them.
PA:Press AssociationNicky Henderson pictured with horse Marlborough at his stables in Lambourn on March 4, 2002[/caption]
His vision and leadership left an enduring legacy in British horse racing.
Race named in his honour
In recognition of his contributions, Cheltenham renamed the Grand Annual Chase in his honour in 2005, two years after his passing.
This race, first run in 1834 and revived in 1913, is the oldest event at the Cheltenham Festival and serves as a fitting tribute to Henderson’s impact on the sport.
The race is a handicap chase run over two miles and 110 yards with 14 fences to negotiate.
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It has become a cherished part of the festival’s tradition, now scheduled as the final race of Ladies’ Day at Cheltenham — which was renamed Style Wednesday in 2024.
Paul Nicholls holds the record for the most wins in this race, with victories in 2004, 2007 and 2018.
Legacy
Johnny’s son Nicky Henderson has carried forward his father’s legacy.
He’s enjoyed remarkable success as a trainer, amassing numerous victories at Cheltenham.
Nicky has even won the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase on two occasions.
He first won it in 2006 with his horse Greenhope, before winning it again with Bellvano in 2012.
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