The John Smith’s Grand National Legends, which honours great horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and others associated with the Aintree race, is in its fourth year.

It is unusual that for the modest price of £15,000 you can purchase a racehorse capable of running at the Cheltenham Festival.

“I’ve always wanted better facilities for jockeys. What has happened with Oaksey House has been so exciting and revealing and for this to now be happening in Malton is a dream come true for me,” said Jack Berry, Vice President of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

We all have our favourite memories of the Cheltenham Festival.

As a child, the thought of going to school during the Cheltenham Festival is a daunting one. However, it was a challenge that Cathryn Fry managed to evade during her adolescence, thanks to her understanding parents.

At 23 years old, classically trained and liberated, British painter Tom Evetts is an exciting new talent in equestrian art.

• 7 gr g Karinga Bay – Dawn’s Della (Scottish Reel)
• Form: 1/22312F/5311133–U
• Owner: K Benson & Mrs E Benson
• Breeder: K Benson & Mrs E Benson

Summary

Won once over hurdles and improved for the switch to fences last season, winning three of his eight starts including a Grade Two at Haydock in January, 2012.

• 9 b g Groom Dancer (USA) – Calendula (Be My Guest (USA))
• Form: 1/2222126/F73U236/191825322F/90901F–8000
• Owner: Twenty Four Seven Recruitment
• Breeder: Chieveley Manor Stud

Summary

Has won five of his 35 starts under Rules including last season’s Coral Cup at The Festival and also finished second in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at The Festival in 2011.

• 8 b g Oscar (IRE) – Patscilla (Squill (USA))
• Form: 11111/1127/1128–21
• Owner: Tim Leslie
• Breeder: Mrs A Delaney

Summary

Top-class staying novice hurdler in 2009/10 season, annexing the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at The Festival and a Grade Two at Aintree’s John Smith’s Grand National meeting.

• 6 b g Beat Hollow – Moon Search (Rainbow Quest (USA))
• Form: 11250/21111–25
• Owner: Dermot Hanafin & Phil Cunningham
• Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ltd

Summary

High-class performer in bumpers two seasons ago, winning twice and coming home fifth in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival.

• 7 b g Shantou (USA) – Sarah’s Cottage (IRE) (Topanoora)
• Form: 1/11F12–2212
• Owner: Brannon, Dick, Hernon & Holden
• Breeder: Mrs A Connolly

Summary
High-class hurdler, winning three times as well as runner-up to Simonsig in a Grade Two at Aintree in April, 2012.

• 9 b g Barathea (IRE) – Kristal Bridge (Kris)
• Jump Form: 4432111/212573/111232–111
• Owner: Tim Leslie
• Breeder: Pendley Farm

Summary

Top-class dual code performer; front runner; won the 2010 Northumberland Plate and 2011 Chester Cup on the Flat.

Son of an Aintree legend; Donald McCain has established himself as the north’s leading trainer since taking over the reins from his father Ginger McCain in 2006.

SANCTUAIRE (FR)

• 7 b/br g Kendor (FR) – Biblique (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR))
• Form: 53113/F371P/855111–314
• Owner: Potensis Limited/Chris Giles
• Breeder: S C A De Lageneste-Har De St Voir

Summary
Ex-French, placed third once from two starts over hurdles before coming to Britain in 2009.

SILVINIACO CONTI (FR)

• 7 ch g Dom Alco (FR) – Gazelle Lulu (FR) (Altayan)
• Form: 11/11134/31241–111
• Owner: Chris Giles & Potensis Limited
• Breeder: Patrick Joubert

Summary
Ditcheat's leading contender for Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup honours in 2013.

ZARKANDAR (IRE)

• 6 b g Azamour (IRE) – Zarkasha (IRE) (Kahyasi)
• Form: 111/15F–111
• Owner: Chris Giles & Potensis Limited
• Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan's Studs S C

Summary
Half-brother to 2008 Horse Of The Year on the Flat Zarkava; won once from three starts on the Flat in France.

WONDERFUL CHARM (FR)

• 5 b g Poliglote – Victoria Royale (FR) (Garde Royale)
• Form: 442512–1
• Owner: Robin Geffen
• Breeder: Jean-Philippe Dubois

Summary
Six starts over hurdles in France for Tatiana Puitg, winning once at Auteuil in March, 2012 and finishing second in a Grade Two at the same course the following month.

UNIONISTE (FR)

• 5 gr g Dom Alco (FR) – Gleep Will (FR) (Cadoudal (FR)
• Form: 2422165–11311
• Owner: John Hales
• Breeder: Haras De Saint-Voir Et Al

Summary
Consistent over hurdles in France, winning once, and triumphed on first start over fences at Auteuil in May 2012 when trained by Guillaume Macaire.