As the 2025 Cheltenham Festival approaches, the Ryanair Chase stands poised for what could be its most compelling renewal yet.
The emergence of Fact To File as a clear 6/4 market leader, despite holding a Gold Cup entry, adds fresh intrigue to this two-mile-five-furlong contest.
The impressive winner of last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase strengthened his credentials with a commanding victory in the John Durkan on seasonal reappearance, evolving this championship race into one of the most tactically fascinating contests – one to keep an eye on when assessing Ryanair Chase odds.
Indeed, this year marks the 20th anniversary of a race that has carved its own unique niche in the Festival landscape. First contested in 2005 as the Festival Trophy, the Ryanair Chase emerged to bridge the crucial gap between the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Gold Cup, offering connections a strategic alternative for horses who excel at the intermediate trip.
The race’s prominence stems from its precise positioning in both distance and timing. Contested on Thursday of the Festival, it provides an ideal target for horses who might find the Gold Cup’s extended three-mile-two-furlong trip too demanding, yet possess too much stamina for the Champion Chase’s sharp two miles.
This tactical sweet spot has yielded some of the most competitive and enthralling contests witnessed at Prestbury Park.
Iconic Winners and Memorable Moments
Within its roll of honour, certain performances stand out for their brilliance. Albertas Run’s back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011 showcased the benefits of course specialisation, whilst Vautour’s 2016 success remains one of the most visually impressive displays in the race’s history. His devastating turn of foot up the famous hill established a benchmark for excellence that subsequent winners have strived to match.
The race has also produced some of the most dramatic finishes in recent Festival history, with several finishes causing upsets to race odds. Un De Sceaux’s titanic battle with Sub Lieutenant in 2017 exemplified the heart-stopping drama this unique distance can generate, whilst Allaho’s dominant displays in 2021 and 2022 redefined what was possible at this trip, with his front-running tactics establishing a new template for Ryanair success.
How the Ryanair Chase Became a Festival Staple
Perhaps most significantly, the Ryanair has matured into a championship race in its own right, rather than merely serving as a consolation prize for horses eschewing other engagements.
The £400,000 prize fund reflects its elevated status, attracting top-class performers specifically campaigned with this race in mind.
Looking ahead to the 2025 renewal, the race promises to maintain its reputation for competitive excellence.
Fact To File’s campaign has been masterfully orchestrated by Willie Mullins, with his John Durkan success suggesting the intermediate trip could prove his optimum distance.
Stage Star’s course expertise makes him a formidable defender of his crown, whilst Gaelic Warrior’s potential step up in trip after failing to convince over the minimum distance this term adds another fascinating dimension to the contest.
The presence of Banbridge, who has already demonstrated his prowess over this trip, further deepens what promises to be a vintage renewal. Adding yet more intrigue, Jonbon’s connections are seriously considering this intermediate trip as an alternative to the Champion Chase, exemplifying the race’s growing status as a championship contest in its own right.
Such tactical deliberations perfectly exemplify why the Ryanair has become such an integral part of the Festival programme – it offers connections a genuine choice that can maximise their horse’s chances of Festival glory.
In its relatively short history, the Ryanair Chase has established itself as more than just another Festival race.
It represents a tactical puzzle that challenges trainers, jockeys, and punters alike to evaluate the delicate balance between speed and stamina. As we celebrate its twentieth running, the race stands as a testament to how innovation in race programming can enhance the sport’s competitive landscape.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely the author’s opinion and not investment advice – it is provided for educational purposes only. By using this, you agree that the information does not constitute any investment or financial instructions. Do conduct your own research and reach out to financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
