Steve Ryder likes the chances of an 11-year-old, who will need to buck a trend from 15 of the last 16 years to win the Ryanair Chase.
15:20 Thursday
The Ryanair Chase was introduced to the Cheltenham Festival when it expanded to four days in 2005, achieving Grade 1 status in 2008.
It stands out as a key event on Day 3 of the Festival, alongside the Stayers’ Hurdle, and is contested over a distance of 2 miles, 4½ furlongs.
Ryanair Chase Winners, Trends & Stats
The race has seen two horses claim victory in consecutive years: Albertas Run triumphed in 2010 and 2011, while Allaho mirrored that success in 2021 and 2022.
For those aiming to take advantage of the top free bets for Cheltenham, here are some notable trends to keep in mind when choosing from the nine runners.
- All 17 prior winners had secured a victory over at least 2 miles, 4 furlongs.
- Five of the last nine winners were under the guidance of trainer Willie Mullins.
- 15 of the last 16 winners were aged between 7 and 9 years old.
- 13 of the previous 17 winners had a past win at Cheltenham.
- 13 of the last 17 winners had already clinched at least one Grade 1 victory.
- 11 of the previous 17 winners had placed 1st or 2nd in a Grade 1 or Grade 2 race in their most recent outing.
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Ryanair Chase Key Runners & Contenders
Fact To File
This horse became the favourite for the Gold Cup after defeating Spillane’s Tower and Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan Chase upon his return.
However, he’s likely to shorten his distance following decisive defeats by the latter over 3 miles, ½ furlong at Leopardstown in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup.
Trained by Willie Mullins, this eight-year-old won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at last season’s Festival and is expected to attract plenty of betting interest.
Il Est Francais
A French contender with an admirable record of eight wins from 12 outings under his current team. He dominated the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton last season by 11 lengths and delivered a gutsy front-running effort to take 2nd in the King George VI Chase. This shorter trip should play to his strengths.
Protektorat
Last season’s winner of this race, he later finished 3rd to Jonbon in the Melling Chase at Aintree. Despite losses in his first two outings this term, he roared back with a 23-length victory in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor, making him a strong contender to defend his title.
Djelo
Exceeding expectations at 25/1 odds, he took 3rd in the Turners Novices’ Chase at last year’s Festival. This season, he’s notched two wins and two second-place finishes, including a 3½-length victory in the Grade 2 Denman Chase most recently, suggesting he’ll perform admirably.
Jungle Boogie
An 11-year-old with limited racing experience, boasting five wins from seven starts. He struggled with the 3 miles, 2½ furlongs distance when 6th in last season’s Gold Cup but impressed with an eight-length win at Ascot in December upon his return.
Envoi Allen
A three-time Cheltenham Festival victor, including this race in 2023 when he outran Shishkin by 2¾ lengths. Last season, he was 2nd, four lengths behind Protektorat in this event, and kicked off this term with a win at Down Royal. However, unseating Rachael Blackmore at the fifth-last fence in the King George VI Chase wasn’t the ideal lead-up.
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Ryanair Chase Trainers & Jockeys to Watch
Willie Mullins has dominated this Grade 1 race at Cheltenham in recent times, with victories from Vautour (2016), Un De Sceaux (2017), Min (2020), and Allaho (2021 & 2022), securing five wins in the last nine runnings. Henry De Bromhead follows with two successes in that span.
Rachael Blackmore has claimed this race twice in the past four years with Allaho (2021) and Envoi Allen (2023), alongside a runner-up finish last season.
Ryanair Chase Ground Conditions & Weather
Drier ground would favour Fact To File and Il Est Francais, but it may hinder Protektorat, whose four previous career wins all came on soft going.
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Ryanair Chase Pace & Tactics
With Il Est Francais in the field, a brisk pace is assured, which could help Fact To File, trained by Willie Mullins, settle better than he has this season. Front-runners have an excellent history in this race, so expect Protektorat and Djelo to stay near the lead rather than being held back.
Ryanair Chase Tips
Despite bucking the trend that 15 of the last 16 winners were aged seven to nine, JUNGLE BOOGIE (best odds 14/1) stands out among 11-year-olds.
Trained by Henry De Bromhead, this gelding has raced just seven times, winning five. His 6th-place finish in last season’s Gold Cup caught attention despite a mistake at the third-last, and this shorter distance should suit him. He jumped left-handed throughout his Ascot win last time, and though the form has flaws, he’s likely been primed for this moment.
Recommended bet: Jungle Boogie 14/1 (Advised 0.5pt each way)
