The Ryanair Chase is one of the most competitive Grade 1 chases at the Cheltenham Festival. It demands a mix of class, stamina, and tactical speed over the intermediate distance of 2 miles and 5 furlongs. Since its upgrade to a Grade 1 in 2008, it has become a key target for elite middle-distance chasers.
📊 Key Trends & Winning Profile
✅ Age: Last 12 winners aged 7 to 9.
✅ Course Experience: 13 of the last 17 winners had already won at Cheltenham.
✅ Festival Form: Last 9 winners had run in at least two previous Festivals.
✅ Seasonal Runs: None of the last 17 winners had more than 4 runs that season.
✅ Graded Success: 13 of the last 17 had already won a Grade 1.
✅ Ratings: Last 15 winners were rated 161+; those rated 170+ are 4 from 6.
✅ French Breeding: All the last 11 winners were French-bred.
✅ Trainer Profile: Willie Mullins has won 5 of the last 9 renewals.
✅ Tactics: Last 11 winners either made all, tracked leaders, or raced prominently.
✅ SP Range: 12 of the last 13 winners returned 17/2 or shorter.
✅ Headgear: No winner since 2015 wore first-time headgear.
✅ Ascot/Peterborough Chase: No winner since 2010 had contested the Ascot or Peterborough Chase that season.
✅ King George Form: Only Envoi Allen has won after running in the King George that season.
🏇 Recent Winners & Trends Analysis
| Year | Winner | Age | OR | SP | Trainer | Jockey | Last Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Protektorat | 9 | 165 | 17/2 | D Skelton | H Skelton | 3rd in G2 Denman Chase (33 days prior) |
| 2023 | Envoi Allen | 9 | 163 | 13/2 | H De Bromhead | R Blackmore | 7th in King George (80 days prior) |
| 2022 | Allaho | 8 | 174 | 4/7F | W Mullins | P Townend | 1st in G2 Thurles Chase (53 days prior) |
| 2021 | Allaho | 7 | 162 | 3/1F | W Mullins | R Blackmore | 1st in G2 Thurles Chase (50 days prior) |
| 2020 | Min | 9 | 169 | 2/1 | W Mullins | P Townend | 2nd in G1 Leopardstown (40 days prior) |
| 2019 | Frodon | 7 | 169 | 9/2 | P Nicholls | B Frost | 1st in G2 Cotswold Chase (47 days prior) |
📈 Best Bets for Ryanair Chase 2025 – Top Selections
✅ Fact To File (6/4)
✅ Trained by Willie Mullins – 5-time winner of the Ryanair.
✅ High rating of 166 – fits the winning range.
✅ Consistent Grade 1 form – 2nd in a Gold Cup trial last time.
✅ Course winner at Cheltenham.
💪 Verdict: Ticks every major box – the class act in the field and likely winner.
✅ Il Est Francais (10/3)
✅ French-bred – all the last 11 winners were FRE bred.
✅ Strong RPR of 177 – highest in the field.
✅ Grade 1 winner over 2m4f in France.
✅ James Reveley rides – experienced in French tactics.
💪 Verdict: Major player if adapting to Cheltenham – French dominance angle.
✅ Protektorat (11/2)
✅ Won this last year – course form always a positive.
✅ Proven stayer with a rating of 166.
✅ Strong run in the Denman Chase – stays further.
✅ Trained by Dan Skelton – top trainer in UK handicaps.
💪 Verdict: Defending champion – knows how to win this race.
✅ Djelo (14/1)
✅ Won at Ascot this season over 2m5f.
✅ Rating of 166 – fits winning range.
✅ Trained by Venetia Williams – excellent target placement.
💪 Verdict: Could surprise with a tactical ride – strong each-way value.
✅ Heart Wood (16/1)
✅ Trained by Henry De Bromhead – excellent Festival record.
✅ Finished 2nd at Punchestown in a Grade 2 over 2m4f.
✅ Rating of 159 – slightly below ideal but capable of improving.
💪 Verdict: Could sneak into the frame – strong staying form.
✅ Envoi Allen (16/1)
✅ Won this race in 2023 – proven course form.
✅ Rachael Blackmore rides – exceptional Cheltenham jockey.
✅ Rating of 163 – well within the winning range.
💪 Verdict: Previous winner – if he recaptures old form, he’ll be a danger.
🚫 Runners to Avoid
❌ Jungle Boogie (12/1) – Rare for an 11-year-old to win this.
❌ Master Chewy (50/1) – Too inexperienced and lacks the class for this level.
❌ Hang In There (100/1) – Exposed and not up to Grade 1 level.
💰 Each-Way Value
➡️ Djelo (14/1) – Strong tactical speed – could surprise.
➡️ Protektorat (11/2) – Proven over the course – consistent form.
➡️ Heart Wood (16/1) – De Bromhead’s horses tend to outperform at Cheltenham.
🔥 Best Trend Fit: Fact To File
✅ 8 years old – fits the perfect age profile.
✅ Rating of 166 – in the ideal range for winning this race.
✅ Trained by Willie Mullins – 5-time winner of the Ryanair.
✅ Proven Grade 1 form – won over similar trips.
🏆 Top Selection: Fact To File – Ideal profile and strongest form.
💼 Best Each-Way Bet: Djelo – Trained to peak at the Festival.
🚀 Dark Horse: Il Est Francais – Could be the first French-trained winner since 2008.
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