The Ryanair Chase is the second Championship Race on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival. It takes place at 4:00 pm on March 12, 2026, and many are expecting a bumper event. The 2m4f race is open to five-year-olds and up and has a prize purse of over €400,000. Don’t forget to check our Stayers’ Hurdle Predictions if you are looking to bet on all the feature races on St Patrick’s Thursday.
Ryanair Chase Preview
Fact To File heads the betting in one of the most star-studded races of the Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins’ superstar romped home in this race last year, winning by 9L. He has tussled with most of the field this season, recently winning the Irish Gold Cup. With proven Cheltenham form and elite staying power over this trip, he arrives as the horse they all have to beat.
Jonbon is another fascinating contender for Nicky Henderson. The hugely talented chaser has built a reputation as one of the most consistent two-mile performers and has looked back to his brilliant best following wind surgery in the summer. If he settles into a strong rhythm and stays the extended two and a half miles, his turn of foot could make him a major threat. However, he has notably never won at the Cheltenham Festival in three appearances.
Willy Mullins’ duo of runners ends with Impaire Et Passe. The eight-year-old has already shown top-class ability over both hurdles and fences. He is very lightly raced this season, but won on his only appearance in a Grade 2 at Gowran Park. Impaire Et Passe has delivered several strong performances recently and could be dangerous if improving again for this step up in class over his preferred trip.
Joseph O’Brien’s runner Banbridge looks like a serious challenger. He has been competing at the highest level over fences and showed his quality when second at a high price in the King George VI Chase at Kempton earlier in the season. The nine-year-old possesses plenty of class and tactical speed, and the step back down to this trip could suit his running style if the race turns tactical.
Heart Wood also commands respect after a series of consistent performances in graded company. Henry de Bromhead’s runner has proven he can compete with high-quality opposition and arrives with solid form against several rivals in this lineup. If he gets into a good rhythm over the fences, he could emerge as a genuine contender for the places.
Matata, JPR One, Croke Park, and Master Chewy are among the outsiders in this year’s Ryanair Chase. All have shown glimpses of ability during the season. Matata and JPR One are running consistently in a competitive company, while Croke Park and Master Chewy have occasional flashes of form. However, each would need to improve significantly to challenge the leading contenders. They add depth to an already strong field, and while they are unlikely to dominate the betting, they could be worth keeping an eye on for each-way backers looking for a surprise in this competitive renewal.
Ryanair Chase Predictions
One of our best Cheltenham predictions is for Fact To File to win the Ryanair Chase on Day 3. Gaelic Warrior being declared for the Gold Cup means Fact To File is the firm favourite to retain his crown here. Willie Mullins’ superstar has already shown he handles Cheltenham in style, winning this race by nine lengths last year and following up with a commanding Irish Gold Cup victory. With top-class form and proven ability over this intermediate trip, he looks hard to beat and is the obvious starting point for win backers.
Banbridge and Jonbon are the main threats. Banbridge has tactical speed and graded experience. Jonbon brings a potent turn of foot if he can stay the two-and-a-half-mile trip, though he has yet to win at the Festival. Impaire Et Passe and Heart Wood offer further quality, each capable of placing if conditions suit. Overall, Fact To File looks the safest bet, with Banbridge and Jonbon the key each-way alternatives.
Ryanair Chase Trends and Key Stats
All of the last 12 winners of the Ryanair Chase were aged seven to nine. Two of the last three renewals were claimed by nine-year-olds, and none were ten or older. SP Betting markets have often revealed the strongest contenders, with six of the last 12 winners starting as favourites or joint favourites. Recent form is important as four winners were victorious on their previous start, and ten had raced within 77 days. All had at least two prior Cheltenham runs, showing that course experience is vital.
Ratings and proven class are also key. 11 of the last 12 winners were rated 162 or higher, and four were rated 170 or above. Stamina and experience at the highest level matter, as 12 of the last 15 winners had won a Grade 1 or Grade 2 chase. Ten had previously won at Cheltenham, and seven of the last nine winners ran at the Dublin Racing Festival. These stats highlight that class, form, and course experience dominate this contest.
Ryanair Chase Betting Tips
Fact To File is the obvious choice here and he is currently Evens, floating from 8/11. If he can stay in the plus-money region then that is a strong bet. However, if he is too short o back in a straight win, we like a punt on Banbridge. He was spectacular in the King George Chase, losing by a nose to Jukebox Man. That performance showed he can compete with the very best over a demanding trip. Additionally, the step back to two-and-a-half miles here could suit his running style perfectly, especially if the pace is strong and the race turns tactical. His combination of stamina, tactical speed, and proven ability in big-field graded races makes him attractive for each-way betting. He is capable of challenging for the win if everything falls right.
Jonbon is always of interest too, regardless of whether Cheltenham record precedes him. The Nicky Henderson-trained chaser has shown class and consistency over two miles and looked back to his best following wind surgery. He may be worth a punt for anyone betting on horse racing at 15/2.
Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Betting Tips
Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival always brings excitement as fans clamour ahead of the Gold Cup. St Patrick’s Thursday is the only day to include two feature races, but it also contains some fantastic Novice races, hurdles, and steeple chase events. Below, you will find our predicted winners for all seven races on March 12th.
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Bambino Fever (Evens)
Only one loss on his record and has won all four of his bumpers, including the Champion Bumper. A Grade 1 at Punchestown also showed his class, and Bambino Fever seems an obvious choice for this race.
Golden Miller Novices’ Chase – Sixmilebridge (9/1)
Sixmilebridge was excellent in three starts this season. Enters on the back of a Grade 1 victory at Sandown in January, storming home 5L in front.
Mares’ Hurdle – Jade De Grugy (3/1)
Finished second to Lossiemouth in this race last season. That has aged excellently following Lossiemouth’s victory in the Champion Hurdle, and Willie Mullins’ sole entrant, Jade De Grugy, is as strong as it gets.
Stayers’ Hurdle – Ma Shantou (7/1)
The best course form in what is the most competitive field. The Cleeve Hurdle win often reflects well for future winners of this race, and Ma Shantou is the best option according to our Stayers’ Hurdle predictions.
Ryanair Chase – Banbridge (7/1)
Ran excellently in the King George Chase and has proven he belongs in this company. Banbridge is excellent value to win and each-way betting against the short-priced Fact To File.
Pertemps Network Final – Supremely West (7/2)
Had an excellent run when third behind Ma Shantou and Electric Mason on this course in October. Supremely West was hampered harshly by the handicapper, but can fly out the blocks after switching to Dan Skelton’s yard.
Kim Muir Challenge Cup – Waterford Whispers (4/1)
Has won twice over hurdles and finished second in the Martin Pipe here in 2024. Waterford Whispers’ third-place finish in a big handicap at Leopardstown was very encouraging, and he is the improving type who can go even better here.
