The Ryanair Chase is one of the most exciting races of the Cheltenham Festival week, and although not quite at ‘Championship’ status in official terms, it is every inch a top-class Grade 1 in its own right.
The race was first introduced to the Festival in 2005 and was given Grade One status in 2008. Run over two miles and five furlongs the Ryanair Chase usually attracts a high-quality field.
Read on for our Ryanair Chase betting tips, odds, and offers.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday, March 14th - 2:50pm |
| Winner’s Prize: | £218,398 |
| Distance: | Two-miles & four-and-a-half furlongs |
| Race Type: | Grade 1 Chase |
| Age: | 5-Years+ |
| Course: | New Course |
| Weights: | 11st 9lbs (5yo), 11st 10lbs (6yo+), 7lb allowance for mares |
| Where to Watch? | ITV Racing, Racing TV, Bookmaker Streams |
Ryanair Chase Betting Offers & Free Bets
Ryanair Chase Tips
If there is a fifth Championship race, it is certainly the Ryanair - an excellent contest in its own right, with some top-quality winners over its short history.
Check out Alan Kelly’s horse racing tip for this year’s Ryanair Chase below.
Alan Kelly - Fugitif (Each-Way)
With the ground going against ante-post favourite Banbridge and doubts surrounding the other two market leaders, Stage Star and Envoi Allen, I would rather look for an each-way alternative for this championship contest with plenty of bookmakers offering four places in this 11-runner affair.
With form figures on the course reading 2-2-2-4-1-3, the Richard Hobson-trained Fugitif ticks plenty of boxes and makes some each-way appeal at around 20/1. Sean Bowen’s mount is at his best over this trip on soft ground and when you factor in the nine-year-old’s course form, the horse is more than capable of outrunning his odds in a wide-open contest.
Ryanair Chase Betting Odds
This year’s Ryanair Chase looks ultra-competitive with several horses holding strong chances, including the 2023 winner, Envoi Allen.
He won’t have it all his own way, though, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Stage Star and Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien, both top-class rivals.
What Happened Last Year?
Envoi Allen won the 2023 Ryanair Chase, bouncing back from a disappointing effort in the King George VI Chase.
Trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, Envoi Allen overcame some sketchy jumps to take the win, edging out the Even-money favourite Shishkin.
Ryanair Chase Key Stats
- 12 of the last 12 winners were aged seven, eight, or nine
- Nine of the last 12 winners had won at least one Grade 1 race
- 11 of the previous 12 winners were in the top three in the betting
Previous Winners of the Ryanair Chase
Check out the last five winners of the Ryanair Chase below.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Envoi Allen |
| 2022 | Allaho |
| 2021 | Allaho |
| 2020 | Min |
| 2019 | Frodon |
FAQs
Where can you watch the Ryanair Chase?
You can watch the Ryanair Chase on ITV Racing, Racing TV, or via a live stream on a bookmakers website.
When is the Ryanair Chase?
The Ryanair Chase takes place on the third day of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, also known as ‘St Patrick's Day Thursday’. In 2024, this will be on Thursday, March 14th, with a scheduled off-time of 2:50pm.
What distance is the Ryanair Chase?
The Ryanair Chase is run on Cheltenham’s New Course over a distance of two-miles and four-and-a-half furlongs.
Which jockey has won the Ryanair Chase the most times?
Ruby Walsh leads the way, winning the Ryanair Chase on four occasions.
More Cheltenham Tips
Check out our tips for all the other Cheltenham Day 3 races:
