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2026 Ryanair Chase Odds - Fact To File set for Gold Cup switch?

jon-vine
Editor
Last updated: Thu 12 Feb 2026 15:17
The 2026 Ryanair Chase will headline Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, with notable contenders like Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior, and Jonbon. Willie Mullins faces a strategic decision that could impact the lineup, with Fact To File potentially running in a different race. Gaelic Warrior could assume the role of favourite if Fact To File switches. These developments set an exciting stage for St. Patrick's Day, promising a thrilling race as the odds suggest a competitive field and an engaging storyline.
Jon Vine 12 Feb 2026
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  • Latest odds and betting for the 2026 Ryanair Chase [Updated on 10.2.2026]
  • This Grade One takes place at Cheltenham on Thursday 12th March 2026
  • Fact To File remains the firm favourite, but could be switched to the Gold Cup
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fact to file ryanair
Mark Walsh riding Fact To File clear the last to win The Ryanair Chase during Day Three of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. (Getty)

The Ryanair Chase has been moved to the feature 4:00pm time slot on St Patrick's Day, meaning it now headlines the card on day three of the Cheltenham Festival. Fact To File ran out a superb winner of this race 12 months ago, and Willie Mullins' star dominates the betting for this year's renewal.

Here's a look at the 2026 Ryanair Chase betting and run-down of the headline entries.

2026 Ryanair Chase Odds


Name
Odds
Fact To FileEvens
Gaelic Warrior6/4
Jonbon5/1
Jango Baie6/1
Heart Wood7/1
Romeo Coolio7/1
Bar12/1
[Updated on 10.2.2026]

2026 Ryanair Chase Entries


It seemed for all money like last year's runaway winner was being primed again for this Grade One again. However, Willie Mullins' star ran out an impressive winner of the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival and, with defending champion Inothewayurthinkin now a doubt for the Cheltenham Festival, JP McManus could talk Mullins into running Fact To File in the big one.

If the Ryanair Chase favourite was to make the switch, Gaelic Warrior would take up his position at the head of the market. Mullins' star beat Fact To File in the John Durkan back in November, and has since placed in both the King George VI Chase and the Irish Gold Cup.

Jonbon bounced back to winning ways in the Clarence House Chase and could head to the Ryanair if he produces another winning performance in the Ascot Chase. Heart Wood followed Fact To File home in this race 12 months ago, and seems a likely runner for Henry de Bromhead.

Former King George winner Banbridge could drop down in trip at Cheltenham, having struggled in the Gold Cup 12 months ago. Gold Cup-bound Jango Baie sits prominently in the NRNB market. As does Gordon Elliott's novice Romeo Coolio, who seems more likely to run in either the Arkle or the Brown Advisory.

Willie Mullins is further represented by Impare Et Passe, Il Etait Temps and Energumene. Gordon Elliott has entered Found A Fifty, Croke Park and Firefox. Plate winner Jagwar holds a Ryanair entry. Other potential runners include former winner Protektorat, Dan Skelton's talented mare Panic Attack, JPR One for the Tizzards, and course winner Matata for the Twiston-Davies team.

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