The 2026 Ryanair Chase shapes up as one of those races where the form book meets the hill in intriguing ways, and it all unfolds at 4pm on Thursday, 12 March at Cheltenham's Festival.
With nine declared runners and Fact To File dominating the antepost markets, racing fans have a blend of proven stars and possible what-ifs to chew over before the off.
This Grade 1 gem over 2m4½f on the New Course tests a chaser's versatility: enough zip for the early fences, stamina for the uphill finish, and cunning to navigate a likely trappy gallop.
Nine runners strike a nice balance with room for pace battles without chaos, and the field's quality suggests a proper showdown between the haves and have-nots.
ITV's coverage will capture every stride, from the parade ring nerves to the roar as they turn in.
Trainers like Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson bring their A-game, turning what could be a straightforward favourite's benefit into a tactical chess match.
2026 Ryanair Chase Odds
*Odds from Betfred correct at time of publication
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fact To File | Mark Walsh | W P Mullins | 4/6 |
| Banbridge | S Bowen | J P O'Brien | 13/2 |
| Jonbon | N de Boinville | N J Henderson | 13/2 |
| Impaire Et Passe | Paul Townend | W P Mullins | 15/2 |
| Heart Wood | Darragh O'Keeffe | H De Bromhead | 17/2 |
| JPR One | Brendan Powell | J Tizzard | 33/1 |
| Matata | J J Slevin | N & W Twiston-Davies | 33/1 |
| Croke Park | Jack Kennedy | G Elliott | 80/1 |
| Master Chewy | Sam Twiston-Davies | N & W Twiston-Davies | 100/1 |
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Spotlight on Fact To File
No conversation about this Ryanair starts without Fact To File, the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old who's shortened into odds on favourite territory.
Trained by Willie Mullins, he's got the lot: Grade 1 wins, a rating of 173, and form figures that some owners could only dream of. The current champion in this race, Mark Walsh, retains the ride, and his ability to switch off a strong traveller like this one could be decisive.
He's no sure thing, mind. Cheltenham has a habit of humbling the obvious, but his profile fits like a glove. And, we know he is not infallible after that poor run in the King George at Kempton in December.
His bounce back to win the Irish Gold Cup was decisive, and now he looks to add a second Ryanair Chase to his already impressive CV.
Jonbon's Unexpected Entry
Nicky Henderson's Jonbon adds spice, declared in despite murmurs of an Aintree detour. The ten-year-old's two-mile brilliance is undisputed, and the stretch to 2m4½f shouldn't raise any eyebrows considering he has won at this distance plenty of times.
Nico de Boinville will need him settled early; if he rolls forward too keenly, the hill might find him out.
It's a gamble that could pay dividends, though. Henderson knows his onions, and keeping the JP McManus-owned star in adds class the others must respect. A surprise packet? Perhaps. A live contender? Definitely.
Key Contenders Breakdown
Banbridge (Joseph O'Brien, Sean Bowen) lurks second in the betting with multiple Grade 1 wins under his belt already. He's the pace-setter type who could force a split in the field, thriving if the ground dries out.
Heart Wood (Henry de Bromhead) offers value and a grinding style that suits the finish, but can he go one better than his second-place finish in this race last year?
Impaire Et Passe (Mullins again, Paul Townend) brings raw talent and plenty of winning experience.
JPR One (Joe Tizzard), Matata, Croke Park, and Master Chewy fill out the card with each-way claims. JPR One's recent win hints at upside, while Matata's course form earns a nod. It's depth that keeps bookies smiling.
Ryanair Trends Unpacked
Past winners tell a story: second-season chasers (aged 7-9) with 5-12 starts over fences dominate, winning 70% of renewals since 2015.
Top-rated horses prevail 60% of the time, and those placed last time out in graded company strike at 25%.
Course winners or placers? A massive edge – think Protektorat or Allaho types. Lightly raced sorts with a win in their last three (win strike 18%) outpace the plodders.
Market leaders have landed five of the last eight, but the 4/1-6/1 bracket hides gems at 22% strike rate. Avoid horses with three runs over 20f without a win; zero successes there.
Smart Betting Angles
Fact To File gets the vote for win-only – trends align, Mullins' record in this is impeccable (three of last six), and his jumping fluency seals it.
Each-way punters: Banbridge at 9/2. He's drawn well, loves the trip, and Bowen's front-running could tee up a late lunge.
Heart Wood sneaks into forecasts; De Bromhead's Ryanair affinity (past winners) and his honest engine suit a strong gallop.
Jonbon for exotics if you're feeling bold, as he can never be underestimated. Steer clear of 50/1 shots unless the ground turns extreme; this field's too solid.
Who Will Win?
Tomorrow's 2026 Ryanair Chase promises tension from tape to line, with Fact To File the horse to beat, but rivals ready to pounce.
Cheltenham's magic lies in these moments. Will the favourite deliver, or does Jonbon's curveball change everything?
Tune in, place your stakes wisely, and enjoy what could be Thursday's defining spectacle.
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