Fact To File to Defend Ryanair Chase Title at Cheltenham Festival 2025

Fact To File is the shortest-priced favorite for any race at the Cheltenham Festival, showing strong form after winning the Irish Gold Cup.
By Newsroom | Horse Racing, Cheltenham |

Fact To File, the reigning champion of the Ryanair Chase, is among 14 horses confirmed to contend for the prestigious race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival. The horse, fresh off a victory in the Irish Gold Cup, is currently the shortest-priced favorite for any race at the upcoming festival, fueling speculation about its primary target.

Ryanair Chase Frontrunner Confirmed

The imminent Cheltenham Festival sees a crowded field emerge for the Ryanair Chase, with Fact To File standing out as a dominant force. Trainer Willie Mullins has indicated a strong inclination for the nine-year-old to defend its 2025 title rather than be supplemented for the more arduous Cheltenham Gold Cup. This strategic decision, supported by betting markets that have seen Fact To File shorten to odds-on for the Ryanair, suggests a clear focus on a repeat performance. The horse’s recent win at the Dublin Racing Festival, where it secured a one-two-three for Mullins, defeating rivals like Gaelic Warrior and two-time Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs, further solidifies its strong position.

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Other Festival Entrants and Speculation

Beyond the declared Ryanair contenders, several other horses are generating discussion. Lossiemouth, a previous winner of the Mares' Hurdle, remains an enigma regarding its precise festival target. It has been left in contention for the Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, alongside a potential 13 other rivals, and was also entered in the Unibet Champion Hurdle earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, Jonbon remains a possibility for the Ryanair Chase. However, trainer Nicky Henderson has suggested that the horse is more likely to target Aintree following demanding recent outings at Ascot.

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The initial entry list for the 2026 Ryanair Chase also included a broader range of horses, such as Better Days Ahead, Impaire Et Passe, Kalif Du Berlais, and Spillane's Tower. Some horses, like The Jukebox Man and Gaelic Warrior, while entered for the Ryanair, appear more inclined towards the Gold Cup based on recent performances. Gordon Elliott's novice Romeo Coolio is also noted as a notable entry, having already secured three wins over fences.

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Historical Context and Betting Landscape

Fact To File's success in the 2025 Ryanair Chase saw it finish an impressive nine lengths clear of its nearest competitor, Heart Wood. The decision to steer Fact To File towards the Ryanair over the Gold Cup has been a consistent theme, with the horse being odds-on to retain its title. Conversely, its odds for the Gold Cup remain at a distant 20-1 on betting exchanges, indicating bookmakers' perceptions of its intended route. The landscape of the festival also features other potential contenders and betting interests across various races, including the Mares' Novices' Hurdle, Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, each with its own set of frontrunners and outsiders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Fact To File run in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival 2025?
Yes, Fact To File is confirmed to run in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025. Trainer Willie Mullins plans for the horse to defend its title from last year.
Q: Why is Fact To File the favorite for the Ryanair Chase?
Fact To File is the favorite because it recently won the Irish Gold Cup and is in excellent form. It is also the shortest-priced favorite for any race at the festival.
Q: What other horses are running in the Ryanair Chase?
Other horses entered for the Ryanair Chase include Jonbon, though he may run at Aintree instead. Horses like The Jukebox Man and Gaelic Warrior might aim for the Gold Cup, while Romeo Coolio is also a notable entry.
Q: What happened in the Ryanair Chase last year?
In the 2025 Ryanair Chase, Fact To File won by an impressive nine lengths. It is now odds-on to win again this year.
Q: Where else could Fact To File have raced at Cheltenham?
While Fact To File is heavily favored for the Ryanair Chase, it was also considered for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, its odds for the Gold Cup are much longer, showing the clear preference for the Ryanair.