Ryanair Chase Odds, Tips, Free Bets & Betting Offers
Craig Jones
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 of horses who relish this middle distance trip.
Read on for our Ryanair Chase betting tips, odds, and Cheltenham free bets.
| Race Details | |
|---|---|
| When: | Thursday, March 13th - 3:20pm |
| 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
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Ryanair Chase Betting Odds
The Ryanair Chase looks a cracker this year, and after not being left in the Gold Cup, it's full steam ahead of Fact To File, who's now a strong favourite for the race.
Il Est Francais brings an element of uncertainty, dropping back in trip, which should suit, he's second favourite with all betting sites, while the rock solid Protektorat is third best in the current betting.
Ryanair Chase Tips
Alan Kelly's NAP goes in the Ryanair Chase as part of his Cheltenham day 3 tips and it comes in one of the feature races.
Alan Kelly - Il Est Francais (Nap)
Having backed the Venetia Williams-trained Djelo (each-way) at prices ranging from 33/1 to 14/1, I will be hoping for a big run from Charlie Deutsch’s mount, who has looked a much improved performer either side of a below-par run behind Protektorat at Windsor in January, a course which didn’t seem to suit the Montmartre gelding.
However, I think Djelo, along with the other seven contenders for this extended 2m 4f championship contest, may struggle to lay a glove on French challenger IL EST FRANCAIS (Nap), the mount of James Reveley. The seven-year-old looked like winning Kempton’s King George on Boxing Day until collared close home by Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge.
While Prestbury Park is something of an unknown for the French runner, I actually think the course will suit him better than Kempton, where his rider was never able to give his mount a breather. If the race goes as I expect, we could see something quite spectacular from the Gallic front-runner, provided he does not break a blood vessel, as was the case at Auteuil in November.
What Happened Last Year?
The Dan Skelton trained Protektorat won the 2024 Ryanair Chase in really good style for Harry Skelton last year, and in 2025, he'll be back to try and defend his crown.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Protektorat |
| 2023 | Envoi Allen |
| 2022 | Allaho |
| 2021 | Allaho |
| 2020 | Min |
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 2025, this will be on Thursday, March 13th, with a scheduled off-time of 3:20pm.
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:
Latest Betting Offers
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