The Ryanair Chase is the in-between championship race — not quite Gold Cup distance, but longer than two miles. This year's renewal hinges entirely on one question: does Fact To File get supplemented for the Gold Cup?
Willie Mullins' Fact To File is the reigning Ryanair champion and won the Irish Gold Cup brilliantly in February. He's only entered in the Ryanair, but JP McManus could pay £50,000 to supplement him for the Gold Cup. If he stays here, he'll be odds-on. If he goes to the Gold Cup, Gaelic Warrior becomes the new favourite at 5/2.
Ruby Walsh has said "one of them will run here," so we're guaranteed a Mullins steamroller. Jonbon is 6/1 if he swerves the Champion Chase, but he'd be up against it.
Ryanair Chase 2026 Tips
- If Fact To File runs: He's the banker of the Festival. Back him.
- If Fact To File goes to Gold Cup: Gaelic Warrior (5/2) becomes the value play
- Each-Way: Jonbon (6/1) — only if he swerves the Champion Chase
| Horse | Odds | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Fact To File | 2/1 | Willie Mullins |
| Gaelic Warrior | 5/2 | Willie Mullins |
| Jonbon | 6/1 | Nicky Henderson |
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