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One of the highlights on the third day at Cheltenham, the Ryanair Chase is one of the newer races on the Festival schedule having been run for the first time in 2005. It was initially a Grade 2 contest but was bumped up to Grade 1 level for its fourth running.
Paddy Power’s Ruby Walsh clinched glory on four occasions in this race onboard Thisthatandtother, Taranis, Vautour and Un De Sceaux. 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup king Imperial Commander and Cue Card are other notable winners.
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Min is set to defend his crown after pipping Saint Calvados to the post last year. The likes of Allaho, Imperial Aura and Melon also feature prominently in the betting.
There were nearly 50 horses initially entered for the Ryanair Chase, although the field has been whittled down to 11 runners for race day. Thanks to Paddy, you can have a FREE £/€5 bet on any of Thursday’s races. Simply click on the banner below to redeem the offer.
RYANAIR CHASE RUNNERS AND ODDS
CHELTENHAM RACECARDS: DAY 3 RUNNERS AND RIDERS FOR EVERY RACE
RYANAIR CHASE TIPS
Ruby Walsh: “My preference for this one is MIN. I can never get away from his performance at Aintree over two-and-a-half miles, that was spectacular to watch.
“For an each-way punt, I like the look of FANION D’ESTRUVAL.”
FULL PREVIEW: RYANAIR CHASE ANTEPOST TIPS FROM RUBY WALSH
James Shortt: “Four of the previous six renewals were won by seven-year-olds, which is a good sign for ALLAHO who was overly keen when third in the RSA last year.”
FULL PREVIEW: CHELTENHAM STATS FOR THURSDAY’S GRADE 1 RACE
Matt Chapman: “Back to Grade 1 company with the Ryanair Chase over an extended 2m4f. Forgive MIN his last run and he’d be a lot shorter in the betting. The defending champion is easily the form choice on his success last year when he had Saint Calvados, A Plus Tard and Frodon beaten off.”
FULL PREVIEW: MATT CHAPMAN’S BEST BETS FOR DAY 3 OF THE FESTIVAL
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RYANAIR CHASE TRAINERS’ VERDICT
Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Chris’s Dream: “We know he goes very well fresh, so that’s why we decided to keep him for this. He looks well and seems to be in very good form.”
Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Fakir D’oudairies: “We think the trip will suit him well and he’s in very good form.”
Kim Bailey, trainer of Imperial Aura: “I think it’s the most competitive race of the entire meeting but I wouldn’t swap him. He’s in good shape and this has been the plan all season.”
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Mister Fisher: “I couldn’t be happier with him and his schooling has gone really well. He and Altior have been doing all their work together – luckily he has made it.”
Denise Foster, trainer of Samcro: “This is his time of year and I think everyone knows that. We’re all very excited to see him back at the track where he has already produced two terrific performances.”
All the trainers were speaking to our friends at the Racing Post.
WHEN IS THE RYANAIR CHASE?
The Ryanair Chase takes place on Thursday March 18, on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival 2021. It’s scheduled to start at 14.30.
RYANAIR CHASE WINNERS AT LAST FIVE FESTIVALS
2020 – Min (Horse), Paul Townend (Jockey), Willie Mullins (Trainer)
2019 – Frodon, Bryony Frost, Paul Nicholls
2018 – Balko des Flos, Davy Russell, Henry de Bromhead
2017 – Un de Sceaux, Ruby Walsh, Willie Mullins
2016 – Vautour, Ruby Walsh, Willie Mullins
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL‘S BIG RACES
March 18 – 13.20 – Marsh Novices’ Chase latest odds and tips
March 18 – 14.30 – Ryanair Chase latest odds and tips
March 18 – 15.05 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle latest odds and tips
March 19 – 13.20 – Triumph Hurdle latest odds and tips
March 19 – 14.30 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Chase latest odds and tips
March 19 – 15.05 – Gold Cup latest odds and tips
March 19 – 16.15 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase latest odds and tips
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY THREE SCHEDULE
13.20 – Marsh Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2m 3f 168y
13.55 – Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) 2m 7f 213y
14.30 – Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f 127y
15.05 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 7f 213y
15.40 – Paddy Power Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade 3) 2m 4f 166y
16.15 – Daylesford Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 179y
16.50 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup 3m 2f
*Paddy will be all over your telly box throughout the Cheltenham Festival sponsoring ITV’s live coverage from Prestbury Park – and you can get free and exclusive tipping columns EVERY DAY from Ruby Walsh, Matt Chapman and Mick Fitzgerald here on PP News.
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips
- Mick Fitzgerald’s best bets for Friday at Prestbury Park
- Matt Chapman’s selections for all of Day 4’s seven races
- Gina Bryce’s slick picks on Friday at Cheltenham
- Paddy Power Pundits’ Cheat Sheet for all of Friday’s races
Read More on Cheltenham 2021
- Cheltenham Festival dates, race times and antepost tips from our experts
- Cheltenham Festival: Are fans allowed to attend Prestbury Park?
- Cheltenham Festival: Why Min didn’t like losing the Champion Chase to Altior in 2018
- Cheltenham tips: Frank Hickey’s Lucky 15 to live the dream this year
- Cheltenham tips: Ryanair Chase antepost best bets
- Cheltenham tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s 5 to thrive in 2021
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