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 the top class Grade 1 Steeplechase 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.
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| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday 16th March, 2.50pm |
| Prize: | £350,000 |
| 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 UK, Bookmaker Streams |
Ryanair Chase Tips
If there is a five Championship race, then it is certainly the Ryanair. Beginning as a consolation Gold Cup almost, it’s now an excellent contest in its own right, with some great winners. Will Allaho be able to land the hat trick in 2023, how will Shishkin cope stepping up in trip, and will something else come out of the pack to take the race?
All of these questions will be answered by our resident tipsters when we arrive at raceday.
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Ryanair Chase Betting Odds (January Update)
Given his dominant performances for the past two seasons in this race, it will be no surprise to see Allaho is favourite to win again in 2023, priced up generally at 7/4.
Blue Lord, available at a best price of 6/1 is the main danger, while Shishkin, who will step up from two miles for this, could emerge if staying the trip, and he’s a best price of 8/1.
What Happened in 2022?
We saw a wonderful performance from Allaho in 2022, backing up his win 12 months earlier to become a dual winner of this race. Paul Townend had a simple ride onboard, and would come away from the field in emphatic style to record a winning distance of 14 lengths.
Previous Winners of the Ryanair Chase
- 2022 - Allaho
- 2021 – Allaho
- 2020 – Min
- 2019 – Frodon
- 2018 – Balko Des Flos
FAQs
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 2023 this race will be on Thursday 16th March with a scheduled off-time of 2.50pm.
What distance is the Ryanair Steeplechase?
The Ryanair Chase is run on Cheltenham’s New Course over a distance of 2 1/2 miles (Two-miles and four-and-a-half furlongs to be precise).
Which jockey has won the Ryanair chase the most?
The Ryanair Chase’s most winning jockey is Ruby Walsh with four wins. Sir Tony McCoy is next on 3 wins, as is Paul Townend after last year's win on Allaho.
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