Fact To File Ryanair Favourite: Shortest Priced Runner at 2026 Cheltenham Festival
The entries for day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival are out, and for now at least, Fact To File remains in the Ryanair Chase.
It's likely he goes there, but he does hold onto a Gold Cup entry, which could change tomorrow. However, now he's still in the Ryanair, he's cemented himself as the shortest priced favourite for the festival next week.
The banker of the entire meeting for some? The big Irish banker for St Patrick's Day? Whatever you think of him, you can't argue he looked top class in this race last year, and I don't think it's any stronger of a renewal this time around.
As we count down to the Cheltenham Festival on Free Bets, I'll cover the major talking points and today, it's all about Fact To File, trained by Willie Mullins.
Fact To File Ryanair Entry Confirmed
When the seven day entries came out for the Ryanair Chase, 14 horses stood their ground, though the field on the day is expected to be single figures, as this is second option for a few.
Fact To File led the betting market, and has seen support across many betting sites in recent days, suggesting that this is his number one target.
He's a best price of 8/13 with BOYLE Sports, Coral and Ladbrokes, though as short as 1/2 elsewhere. However you look at it, he's the shortest price antepost favourite of the entire meeting right now.
Ryanair Repeat Over Gold Cup Quest
The decision all along has been a choice between sticking with the shorter distance of the Ryanair, or move up and go for the big one, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
A win in the Irish Gold Cup at last month's Dublin Racing Festival further muddied the waters, outstaying some top quality chasers, including past two-time Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs.
But the additional two furlongs of a Gold Cup, especially with the Cheltenham hill at the end of it all, has been enough to break some top class stayers. You really need to stay the distance, getting home well, not just getting home over the trip, if you want to win.
For this reason, I am fully on board with Fact To File sticking at the Ryanair Chase distance, and trying to repeat his success of last year.
Yes, in terms of prestige, the race isn't as strong as the Gold Cup, nothing is, but the Ryanair continues to grow in stature, and is a strong Grade One contest in its own right.
Back to back festival winners are hard to come by, in any race, and if he can show the same level of form he did in the Irish Gold Cup last time out, or in his win from last year in this race, then I believe Fact To File will become a back to back festival winner.
Current Ryanair Chase Field & Latest Betting
Alongside showcasing the best Cheltenham free bets for next week's racing, we also want to ensure you get the very best information from us, to help guide you through the week.
As well as our horse racing tips, we've also got racecards for every race. These currently show entries and the latest odds, but will transform next week to show the runners and riders, recent form, and the odds currently available.
Here's a look at the 14 horses that remain in the Ryanair Chase.
