Ryanair Chase 2026 Tips - Outsider worth chancing at Cheltenham?
The Ryanair Chase at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival takes center stage as a Grade One race on March 12th. With nine runners, including favorite Fact To File, the event promises exciting competition. Despite the dominance of Fact To File, expert analysis suggests exploring Master Chewy as a value bet, given his impressive previous performances. Other notable contenders include Jonbon, Banbridge, and Gaelic Warrior. Racing fans can watch live streaming details via Racing Insider.
- Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Ryanair Chase
- This Grade One takes place on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on March 12th
- Master Chewy (100/1) features in our selections
The Ryanair Chase completes a triple-header of Grade One races on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, and now occupies the premier 4:00pm slot on Thursday's card.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Ryanair Chase tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.
Last Updated: 10.3.2026
Race Info
| Race | Ryanair Chase |
| Date | Thursday, March 12th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 4:00pm |
| Status | Grade One |
| Distance | 2m4f127y |
| First Prize | £211,013 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 9 |
| Favourite | Fact To File (10/11) |
2026 Ryanair Chase Runners
For most of the season, Fact To File has seemed like a god-given certainty to retain his Ryanair Chase crown. Willie Mullins' star stormed to victory in this race 12 months ago, and the Irish Gold Cup was seen as the ideal warm-up race for his Ryanair defence.
Mark Walsh's mount upset the applecart somewhat by thrashing Gaelic Warrior and Galopin Des Champs to win that prestigious Grade One at Leopardstown. Inothewayurthinkin fell that day, and was a doubt for the Gold Cup for a while, leading many to suggest that Fact To File would be supplemented for day four's feature. But he hasn't been, and should be very hard to beat.
Jonbon saw out the trip well to win the Ascot Chase, and Nicky Henderson's star doesn't seem to have the two-mile pace to contend in the Champion Chase anymore. Nicky would dearly love to win another Champion Chase, though, so Jonbon could line up in the Queen Mother instead.
Heart Wood seems like a definite runner, and last year's runner-up impressed when beating Ile Atlantique at Tramore on New Year's Day. Banbridge failed to see out the Gold Cup trip 12 months ago, and seems likely to take his chance in the Ryanair before a possible tilt at the Grand National.
Willie Mullins surprised plenty by declaring Aintree winner Impaire Et Passe, who missed the Festival 12 months ago. Grade One-winning novice Croke Park will represent Gordon Elliott.
Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies have entered both Matata and Master Chewy. Joe Tizzard's JPR One completes the Ryanair Field.
Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies have entered both Matata and Master Chewy. Joe Tizzard's JPR One completes the Ryanair Field.
2026 Ryanair Chase Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Value Bet | Master Chewy | 100/1 |
Note: These selections are subject to change. All of my selections will be finalised once the fields have been confirmed.
It's nice to see that Fact To File will have a bit of competition in this year's Ryanair Chase. Banbridge will love nice ground, and ran a screamer in the King George last time out.
Jonbon has been declared, despite Nicky Henderson stating that he would skip this year's Cheltenham Festival. Despite two victories in the Shloer Chase, Jonbon never jumps well around Cheltenham, and I wouldn't fancy him on the back of two hard races at Ascot.
Impaire Et Passe and Heart Wood are available at single-figure prices. Matata, JPR One and Croke Park have been declared. I still think Fact To File will win comfortably, but I might have a speculative punt on the outsider of the field, MASTER CHEWY (100/1).
Sam Twiston-Davies' mount was rallying well in this race 12 months ago, before he dived at the second-last and his effort flattened out. Master Chewy went close on his reappearance in the Old Roan, and when second to Edwardstone in the Silviniaco Conti Chase. His form around those efforts hasn't been great, but Master Chewy is classy on his day, and I don't think he should be a 100/1 shot.
Live Stream
Visit our Ryanair Chase Live Stream page if you want to watch any race on day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival via a mobile or tablet.
Ryanair Chase 2026 FAQs
When is the Ryanair Chase 2026?
The Ryanair Chase will be run on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 12th March, 2026.
What time does the Ryanair Chase go off?
The Ryanair Chase is scheduled to start at 4:00pm on March 12th.
Who will win the 2026 Ryanair Chase?
It's still yet to be decided which of Fact To File or Gaelic Warrior will line up in the Ryanair Chase, and either would be the most likely winner of this year's renewal. Master Chewy offers some value against the market leaders.
Where can I watch the 2026 Ryanair Chase?
The Ryanair Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.
Verdict
This year's Ryanair Chase isn't an appealing betting race, and it could pay to take a chance on Master Chewy at a triple-figure price.
Master Chewy E/W
2026 Ryanair Chase Value Bet
@100/1 - 5 Units
£25 Free Bet Refund
with promo code NEWBONUS
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