2026 Ryanair Chase Entries - Fact To File heads list of 33 entrants
The 2026 Ryanair Chase is set to be a thrilling event with 33 top chasers entered, including the defending champion Fact To File. Notably, Gordon Elliott's novice Romeo Coolio, who has already secured three victories over fences, is a standout entry. While some contenders like The Jukebox Man and Gaelic Warrior may pursue the Gold Cup, others, including Energumene and Champ Kiely, are staying committed to the Ryanair Chase. Trainer heavyweights Mullins, Elliott, and O'Brien, among others, add prestige to the lineup. Expect an intense contest with potential reshuffling as other races approach.
- 33 horses have been entered for the 2026 Ryanair Chase
- Defending champion Fact To File headlined the initial entries
- Romeo Coolio, Jonbon and Heart Wood have all been entered
33 top chasers have been entered for the 2026 Ryanair Chase, including defending champion Fact To File.
Willie Mullins' star sauntered to victory in this race 12 months ago, winning easily under Mark Walsh. Having been beaten over two and three miles since, Mullins has only entered Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase at this year's Festival, and the 2025 winner heads the current betting.
The big talking point when the initial entries were revealed was the inclusion of Romeo Coolio. Gordon Elliott's novice has won all three of his starts over fences, including two Grade Ones, and could tackle his elders at Cheltenham - as there is no two-and-a-half-mile Grade One for novice chasers.
The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie have been handed Ryanair entries, but all three seem Gold Cup-bound after their efforts in the King George VI Chase. Grey Dawning and Affordale Fury will head to the Gold Cup over the Ryanair. Il Etait Temps, Majborough and Solness have been entered in the Ryanair, despite their positions near the head of the Champion Chase betting.
Fact To File could be joined in the field by stablemates Impaire Et Passe, Champ Kiely and Energumene. Elliott's most likely runners are Croke Park, Firefox and Better Days Ahead. Heart Wood and Envoi Allen have been entered by Henry De Bromhead. As have Joseph O'Brien's former King George winner Banbridge, and Jimmy Mangan's Grade One winner Spillane's Tower.
Festival Plate winner, Jagwar has been entered in the Ryanair by Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero. Multiple Grade One winner Jonbon has been given the longer option by Nicky Henderson. Other interesting Ryanair entrants include Ben Pauling's Handstands, Thistle Ask and Protektorat for the Skelton team, and Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies' duo of Matata and Master Chewy.
2026 Ryanair Chase Entrants
- Banbridge
- Better Days Ahead
- Champ Kiely
- Croke Park
- Edwardstone
- Energumene
- Envoi Allen
- Fact To File
- Firefox
- Found A Fifty
- Gaelic Warrior
- Gidleigh Park
- Grey Dawning
- Handstands
- Heart Wood
- Il Etait Temps
- Impaire Et Passe
- Jagwar
- Jango Baie
- Jonbon
- JPR One
- Kalif Du Berlais
- Majborough
- Master Chewy
- Matata
- Panic Attack
- Protektorat
- Romeo Coolio
- Solness
- Spillane's Tower
- The Jukebox Man
- Thistle Ask
- Twinjets
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