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.
Our guide to the Ryanair Chase will be published in the weeks leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
Ryanair Chase Result
Position
Name
SP
1st
Fact To File
6/4f
2nd
Heart Wood
18/1
3rd
Envoi Allen
12/1
Ryanair Chase Day Card
Cheltenham Day 3 Card
Time
Thursday Races
Status
Distance
13:20
Mares Novices' Hurdle
Grade Two
2m 1f
14:00
Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase
Grade Two Handicap
2m 4f
14:40
Pertemps Final
Listed Handicap
3m
15:20
Ryanair Chase
Grade One
2m 4f
16:00
Stayers' Hurdle
Grade One
3m
16:40
Paddy Power Plate
Grade Three Handicap
2m 4f
17:20
Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Class Two Handicap
3m 2f
Ryanair Chase History
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
2025
Fact To File
2024
Protektorat
2023
Envoi Allen
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 2026 Ryanair Chase will take place at 3:20pm on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 12th 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?
Willie Mullins celebrated another victory in the Ryanair Chase in 2025, as hot-favourite Fact To File won easily.
Where can I watch the Ryanair Chase?
The 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.
