Ryanair Chase 2026 Runners

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The Ryanair Chase is one of the Cheltenham Festival’s championship events and serves as the premier middle-distance contest for steeplechasers. Positioned perfectly between the Champion Chase and the Gold Cup, it is the ultimate target for elite chasers who thrive around 2m4f and has quickly become one of the most competitive Grade 1 races of the week.

First run in 2005, the race was introduced to create a championship option for intermediate chasers and has grown rapidly in stature. Since its inception, the Ryanair has attracted top-class horses from leading British and Irish yards, regularly producing Festival performances that rank among the week’s most memorable.

Run over 2 miles, 4 furlongs (4,006 metres) on Cheltenham’s New Course, the Ryanair Chase features 17 fences. The race demands sharp, accurate jumping at speed, as well as strong finishing stamina up the Cheltenham hill, making it a true test of both class and durability.

The race holds Grade 1 status and takes place on Thursday 12th March 2026 during the Cheltenham Festival. With the added prize-money incentive and its championship billing, it has become a key Festival goal for many of the sport’s leading chasers.

Notable Winners

• Allaho – a dominant double winner (2021 & 2022), famed for front-running brilliance.
• Vautour – the exceptional Willie Mullins-trained winner in 2016.
• Albertas Run – a two-time winner (2010 & 2011) for trainer Jonjo O’Neill.
• Uplands – winner of the inaugural running in 2005, setting the tone for the race’s future status.

Key Race Details

• Race Type: Championship Steeplechase
• Grade: Grade 1
• Distance: 2 miles, 4 furlongs (4,006 metres)
• Number of Fences: 17
• Location: Cheltenham Racecourse (New Course)
• Date: Thursday 12th March 2026 (Cheltenham Festival – Day Three)
• Prize Money: Typically over £350,000 in total prize fund (varies year-on-year)
• Inaugurated: 2005
• Sponsor: Ryanair

The Ryanair Chase continues to be one of the Cheltenham Festival’s most exciting Grade 1 showdowns, combining speed, stamina and jumping precision. Its place in the schedule ensures it attracts a high-class field each year, making it a key highlight of Thursday’s action and an essential contest in the National Hunt calendar.