The Ryanair Chase stands as a top race at the Cheltenham Festival. You’ll find this Grade 1 race on March 13, 2025, at 15:20. The race covers 2 miles 4 furlongs and 127 yards.
The prize money hits £388,125, with £218,398 for the winner. Past champions like Un De Sceaux and Vautour showed great skill on this track. The 2024 winner, Protektorat, proved his worth after placing third and fifth in past Gold Cups.
This guide shows you the best horses and jockeys for the 2025 race. You’ll learn about key trends that mark winning horses. These include runners with fewer than four races since October and those rated within 6lb of the RPR top-rated.
The race needs careful study to spot the likely winners.
The race starts soon. Get ready for the action.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Ryanair Chase runs on 13 March at 15:20, offering £388,125 in total prize money. The winner gets £218,398.
- The Grade 1 race covers 2 miles, 4 furlongs and 127 yards. Horses must jump 17 fences on Cheltenham’s New Course.
- Willie Mullins leads all trainers with five wins in eight years. Past winners include Un De Sceaux, Vautour, and 2024 champion Protektorat.
- The race started in 2005 and got Grade 1 status in 2008. It’s now a key part of St Patrick’s Thursday at the Festival.
- Top runners for 2025 include Envoi Allen, Gaelic Warrior, and El Fabiolo. Winning horses often have fewer than four races since October.
Overview Of The Ryanair Chase
The Ryanair Chase stands as a Grade 1 steeplechase at the Cheltenham Festival, run over two miles and five furlongs on the New Course. You’ll see horses aged five and up tackle seventeen fences in this race, which sits between the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Gold Cup in distance terms.
Its Significance At The Cheltenham Festival
Ryanair Chase stands as a crown jewel at Cheltenham Festival since 2005. St. Patrick’s Thursday brings this Grade 1 race to life, drawing huge crowds to witness top steeplechasers battle for £375,000 in prize money.
Prize funds hit £211,013 for winners in 2023, making it one of racing’s most valuable contests. Willie Mullins dominates this race with five wins in eight years, proving its status as a major target for leading trainers.
Grade 1 status since 2008 puts this race among jump racing’s elite events at Britain’s most famous festival.
Key Features Of The Grade 1 Race
The Grade 1 Ryanair Chase spans 2 miles, 4 furlongs, and 127 yards on the new course at Cheltenham. Five-year-old and older horses compete in this prestigious steeplechase race. Willie Mullins leads the trainer standings with 5 wins.
The race takes place at 15:20 on 13th March 2025, marking its spot as a key fixture in the Cheltenham Festival calendar.
This Grade 1 contest started in 2005 and earned its top-level status in 2008. Famous winners like Cue Card, Frodon, and Allaho have made their mark on this race. The course tests both speed and stamina over challenging fences.
Each runner must show great skill to handle the distance and obstacles. Paul Townend and Ruby Walsh stand out as successful jockeys in this race’s history.
Notable Contenders For 2025
Keep your eyes on Envoi Allen, who stands as a strong pick for the 2025 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. The nine-year-old gelding shows great form on the track, with past wins at Grade 1 races making him a solid choice for your betting slip.
Prominent Horses And Jockeys To Watch
The 2025 Ryanair Chase features excellent horses and skilled riders at Cheltenham Festival. Leading trainers and jockeys compete for victory in this Grade 1 race.
- Gaelic Warrior demonstrates excellence with two wins, particularly the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase victory. His current form indicates strong potential for the race.
- El Fabiolo excels over two miles and appears prepared for longer distances. His speed and stamina match the Ryanair Chase course requirements.
- Jonbon shows excellence in shorter races and matches the Ryanair distance. His victories demonstrate his ability in major races.
- Willie Mullins has secured five Ryanair Chase wins since 2016. His stable presents competitive runners each year.
- Paul Nicholls prepares several contenders for the 2025 race. His Cheltenham achievements make his entries significant.
- Bryony Frost aims to secure another major win. She has extensive knowledge of the course from previous races.
- AP McCoy‘s racing analysis indicates several promising contenders for the race. His expertise identifies talent promptly.
- Irish-trained horses maintain an impressive recent record in this race. They show good adaptation to Cheltenham’s distinct course.
- The Ryanair Chase distance examines both speed and stamina. Horses need endurance throughout the course.
- Seven to nine-year-old chasers typically perform well here. This age range combines vitality and experience effectively.
Thrills And Highlights Of The 2025 Ryanair Chase
The 2025 Ryanair Chase promises fast-paced action over 17 fences at Cheltenham Racecourse – you can watch top horses battle for glory in this Grade 1 race that spans two miles and five furlongs.
Anticipated Race Dynamics And Excitement
Race fans await an intense battle at the Ryanair Chase with 34 potential runners vying for the £375,000 prize purse. Defending champion Protektorat faces stiff competition from Banbridge, fresh off a King George VI Chase victory.
Michael O’Leary’s entries, Conflated and Master Chewy, add extra spice to this Grade 1 contest.
Willie Mullins aims to extend his impressive record of five wins in nine years with Fact to File leading his charge. The 2025 contest promises fast-paced action over challenging fences at Cheltenham Racecourse.
You’ll see top jockeys navigate their mounts through tight turns and testing jumps on March 13th, creating an electric atmosphere for spectators at this National Hunt racing spectacle.
Conclusion
The Ryanair Chase stands as a premier Grade 1 steeplechase at Cheltenham Festival. Your betting success depends on studying past winners like Protektorat and Un De Sceaux. Smart punters focus on horses with top-four finishes in Grade 1 or 2 chases over three miles.
The £388,125 prize money makes this race a key target for top trainers and jockeys. You must watch this spectacular event on March 13, 2025, at 15:20 to see champions tackle 17 challenging fences.
FAQs
1. What is the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival?
The Ryanair Chase is a Grade 1 race run on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival. It’s a steeplechase for horses aged five and up, rated above 130, with fences to be jumped on the new course.
2. When was the Ryanair Chase first run?
The race was introduced in 2005. Before that, it was called the Cathcart Challenge Cup. The Daily Telegraph was the first sponsor before Ryanair took over.
3. How long is the Ryanair Chase?
The race runs for two miles and five furlongs. Horses must jump several fences along the way. It’s shorter than the Cheltenham Gold Cup but longer than the Arkle.
4. Who are some famous winners of the race?
Imperial Commander, Albertas Run, and Cue Card have all won this race. Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have trained many winners, with some horses getting hat-tricks of victories.
5. How can I place bets on the Ryanair Chase?
You can view the racecard and place bets by clicking the odds buttons on betting sites like Paddy Power. It’s wise to check the runners and riders before betting.
6. What makes the Ryanair Chase special?
It’s one of the championship races at the Festival. The race often draws well-supported horses from top yards like Pond House team, making it a feature race of the meeting.

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