The second Grade One on day three at the Cheltenham Festival is the Ryanair Chase. Although the race was only created in 2005, this two-and-a-half-mile chase has grown so much in stature over the last 15 years, that many consider it to be the unofficial fifth Championship race at the meeting.
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Irish themed spectators arrive on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: An Irish themed spectator arrives on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Irish themed spectators arrive on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: The Guinness Village is packed on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: The Guinness Village is packed on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Fans pose for a photo opportunity on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: The Guinness Village is packed on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Galopin Des Champs clear the last but later part ways in The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs part ways as they lead over the last in The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend leaves the track after parting ways with Galopin Des Champs over the last in The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Rachael Blackmore (black and pink kit) on Bob Olinger pass Paul Townend (yellow and brown kit) and Galopin Des Champs who parted ways after the last in The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Rachael Blackmore on Bob Olinger approach the finish line to win The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Rachael Blackmore on Bob Olinger approach the finish line to win The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Rachael Blackmore on Bob Olinger celebrates victory after The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Rachael Blackmore on Bob Olinger celebrates victory after The Turners Novices’ Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien (black and pink kit) on Third Wind approach the finish line before Paddy Brennan (black and yellow kit) on Alaphilippe to win The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien (black and pink kit) on Third Wind approach the finish line before Paddy Brennan (black and yellow kit) on Alaphilippe to win The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien (R, black and pink kit) on Third Wind clear the last to win The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien (R, black and pink kit) on Third Wind clear the last to win The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien (R, black and pink kit) on Third Wind clear the last to win The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien (black and pink kit) on Third Wind celebrates victory in The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien on Third Wind make their way down to the starting area in The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien on Third Wind (R, black and pink kit) line up with other jockeys and horses for the start in The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: General view of the grandstand during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho clears the last to win The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho clears the last to win The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho celebrates victory after The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho celebrates victory after The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho celebrates victory in The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend (blue cap) on Allaho approach the finish line to win The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho clears the last to win The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend on Allaho celebrates victory after The Ryanair Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Alaho and Paul Townend celebrate victory in the Ryanair Chase on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend riding Allaho to victory in The Ryanair Chase on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend riding Allaho to victory in The Ryanair Chase on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend riding Allaho to victory in The Ryanair Chase on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: The Sun shines on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: The Sun shines on the parade ring on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Racegoers in the Guinness Village on St Patrick's Day on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Bookmakers on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: A black and white day in the Guinness Village on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Irish themed spectators arrive on St Patrick's Day on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Keeping an eye on the action on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Keeping an eye on the action on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Wishing and hoping on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Cheering on a winner on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Cheering on a winner on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Cheering on a winner on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins (black and white kit) on Flooring Porter clear the last to win The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins riding Flooring Porter clear the last to win The Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins (black and white kit) on Flooring Porter approach the finish line to win The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins (black and white kit) on Flooring Porter celebrates as they approach the finish line to win The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins riding Flooring Porter clear the last to win The Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins (black and white kit) on Flooring Porter celebrates as they approach the finish line to win The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins riding Flooring Porter clear the last to win The Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins (black and white kit) on Flooring Porter pose for a photo after winning The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins (black and white kit) on Flooring Porter pose for a photo after winning The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Reactions from the winning connections of Love Envoi as they watch their horse on the big screen win The Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdleon day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Reactions from the winning connections of Love Envoi as they watch their horse on the big screen win The Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdleon day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Reactions from the winning connections of Love Envoi as they watch their horse on the big screen win The Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdleon day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Reactions from the winning connections of Love Envoi as they watch their horse on the big screen win The Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdleon day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Reactions from the winning connections of Love Envoi as they watch their horse on the big screen win The Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdleon day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Reactions from the winning connections of Love Envoi as they watch their horse on the big screen win The Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdleon day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Sean Flanagan on Born By The Sea clear the third last in The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Harry Skelton on Spiritofthegames clear the third last in The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Jonathan Burke (white cap) on Love Envoi clear the last to win The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Jonathan Burke (white cap) on Love Envoi clear the last to win The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Jonathan Burke (white cap) on Love Envoi approach the finish line to win The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Jonathan Burke (white cap) on Love Envoi approach the finish line to win The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Sean Flanagan on Born By The Sea clear the third last in The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Adam Wedge (R, red and yellow kit) on Coole Cody clear the third last in The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase race during day three of The Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Lucy Turner riding Chambardare led into the winners enclosure after victory in The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins and Flooring Porter win the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Lucy Turner on Chambard (20) jumps the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Lucy Turner and Chambard (L) jump the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Adam Wedge and Cool Cody clear the 3rd last on their way to victory in the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chaseon day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: A large crowd on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: A large crowd on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Paul Townend makes his return after falling from Galopin Des Champs during The Turners Novices' Chase on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tom O'Brien celebrates victory on Third Wind after victory in The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins celebrates victory on Flooring Porter after winning The Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Patrick Mullins on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: A large crowd on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: A general view as runners make their way up the straight on day three of The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Runners and riders in action in the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Danny Mullins and Flooring Porter celebrates after winning the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 17, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Ryanair Chase was added to the Cheltenham Festival fairly recently, with the first edition taking place in 2005. This two-and-a-half-mile chase initially held Grade Two status, before being promoted to a Grade One in 2008.
Thanks to a steady increase in prize money from the sponsors, the Ryanair Chase has steadily grown in stature during it's history. So much so, that many now regard the Ryanair as the unofficial fifth Championship race at the Cheltenham Festival.
Imperial Commander won the Ryanair Chase for Nigel Twiston-Davies in 2009, and went on to win the Gold Cup the following season.
2010 and 2011 saw Albertas Run come out on top, and Jonjo O'Neill's popular chaser remains the only two-time winner of the Ryanair.
Gold Cup winner Paul Nicholls' is the winning-most trainer in Ryanair history, with the last of his three winners coming in 2019 when Frodon scored under Bryony Frost.
Ruby Walsh is the most successful jockey, having ridden Nicholls' first two Ryanair winners, before guiding Vautaur and Un De Sceaux to victory in 2016 and 2017.
Colin Tizzard's Cue Card won the Ryanair in 2013. David Pipe and Alan King celebrated victories the following two seasons, with Dynaste and Uxizandre winning in 2014 and '15.
Henry De Bromhead claimed a famous win in 2018 with Balko Des Flos coming out on top. 2020 saw Willie Millins join Paul Nicholls as the top trainer in Ryanair Chase history, as Min came out on top.
Mullins was celebrating again in 2021, as Allaho produced one of the performances of the week to win the Ryanair by 12 lengths.
Ryanair Chase Winners
Year
Winner
2022
Allaho
2021
Allaho
2020
Min
2019
Frodon
2018
Balko Des Flos
2017
Un De Sceaux
2016
Vautour
2015
Uxizandre
2014
Dynaste
2013
Cue Card
2012
Riverside Theatre
2011
Albertas Run
2010
Albertas Run
2009
Our Vic
2008
Taranis
2007
Fondmort
2006
Thisthatandtother
Ryanair Chase FAQs
When is the Ryanair Chase?
The 2023 Ryanair Chase will take place at 2:50pm on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 16th March.
What is the Ryanair Chase?
The Ryanair Chase is a Group One race staged during the Cheltenham Festival. This race is open to chasers of five-years-old and above, and the trip is 2m 4f.
Who won the Ryanair Chase?
In 2022, Allaho produced one of the best performances of the week to win the Ryanair Chase.
Who's the favourite for the Ryanair?
Allaho is again the favourite for the 2023 Ryanair Chase.
Where can I watch the Ryanair Chase?
The 2023 Ryanair Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. If you want to stream the race live on your mobile or tablet then visit our Live Streaming page for more details.
