Ryanair Chase Tips 2026 – Cheltenham 4:00 Preview & Best Bets

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⭐ Ryanair Chase Tips

WIN: Fact To File
MAIN DANGER: Jonbon
VALUE BET: Banbridge
OUTSIDER: Impaire Et Passe

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Race Overview – Ryanair Chase (4:00 Cheltenham)

The Ryanair Chase is one of the headline races on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, run over 2m4½f on the New Course.

Often attracting elite two-and-a-half-mile chasers, the race combines speed, stamina and accurate jumping, making it a unique test compared with both the Champion Chase and the Gold Cup.

The 2026 renewal looks centred around Fact To File, last year’s winner and one of the most talented chasers in training. Several high-class rivals line up to challenge him, including Jonbon, Banbridge, and stablemate Impaire Et Passe.

With multiple Grade 1 performers in the field, the race promises to be one of the highlights of the meeting.

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⭐ Main Selection – Fact To File

Fact To File sets the standard and looks the horse to beat once again.

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old produced a dominant performance to win this race last year and has since added further top-class form to his record.

He returned to winning ways in a Grade 1 last time out, confirming he remains at the peak of his powers.

With an excellent record at Cheltenham and proven stamina at this distance, Fact To File looks ideally suited to defend his crown.

If he runs to his best form, he may simply prove too strong for the opposition.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Jonbon

Jonbon is a fascinating contender stepping up in trip for this contest.

The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding has been one of the best two-mile chasers in training but has shown that he stays further with strong finishing performances at around 2m5f.

He arrives in excellent form after winning his last two starts and his slick jumping is always a major asset around Cheltenham.

If he adapts fully to this intermediate trip, Jonbon could pose the biggest threat to the favourite.

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💰 Value Bet – Banbridge

Banbridge could represent excellent each-way value.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding has produced several strong performances in top company, including excellent runs in the King George VI Chase.

Although his Cheltenham Festival record has been mixed, his overall ability and experience at Grade 1 level mean he should not be overlooked.

If he produces one of his best performances, Banbridge could easily reach the frame.

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🐎 Dark Horse – Impaire Et Passe

Impaire Et Passe is an intriguing runner with plenty of class.

A former Cheltenham Festival winner over hurdles, he has transitioned successfully to chasing and landed a Grade 1 contest last season.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old returned to winning ways last time out and may still have improvement to come over fences.

If he builds on that performance, he could outrun his odds in this high-quality field.

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Other Contenders

Heart Wood
Runner-up to Fact To File in this race last year and capable of running another solid race.

JPR One
Recent handicap winner but faces a much tougher challenge at Grade 1 level.

Matata
Impressive handicap winner over this course and distance earlier in the season but this represents a significant step up in class.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Fact To File
2. Jonbon
3. Banbridge
4. Impaire Et Passe

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Final Verdict

The 2026 Ryanair Chase looks likely to revolve around the defending champion Fact To File.

While Jonbon and Banbridge bring strong form into the race, the Mullins star already has a superb Cheltenham Festival record and remains one of the best chasers in training.

If he reproduces the level of performance that saw him win this race last year, Fact To File should be extremely difficult to beat.

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Best Bets Summary

WIN: Fact To File
EACH WAY: Banbridge
DANGER: Jonbon
OUTSIDER: Impaire Et Passe

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