Cheltenham Festival 2026: Fact To File Leads Ryanair Chase Contenders
Fact To File is now the shortest-priced favourite for next week’s Cheltenham Festival, following confirmations for day three of the event. The horse is currently favoured in the Ryanair Chase, leaving punters and trainers alike to assess its potential for success.
Fact To File’s Rising Status
Trained by Willie Mullins, Fact To File is currently priced at 8-13 by Coral. This surge in favouritism comes after a strong performance at the Irish Gold Cup, where it defeated Heart Wood by nine lengths last year. Discussions continue regarding its final race assignment, with owner JP McManus considering a £25,000 supplementary fee to enter the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Ryanair Chase: A Competitive Field
Despite the potential for a Gold Cup entry, Fact To File is one of 14 confirmations for the Ryanair Chase. Gaelic Warrior, too trained by Mullins, remains in contention for the race, adding to the competitive landscape. Other notable contenders include Energumene, Il Etait Temps, and Impaire Et Passe, all potentially representing Mullins’ strong hand in the competition.
British Challengers and Key Contenders
British trainers are also fielding strong contenders. Jonbon remains in the Ryanair Chase, though trainer Nicky Henderson suggests a possible shift in plans towards Aintree. Dan Skelton has confirmed both Nurse Susan and Take No Chances for the race. Further adding to the mix are Bob Olinger and Teahupoo, both previous winners of the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.
Stayers’ Hurdle and Mares’ Hurdle Confirmations
The confirmations extend beyond the Ryanair Chase, with significant entries in the Stayers’ Hurdle and Mares’ Hurdle. Lossiemouth’s target remains uncertain, being entered in both the Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle and the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
Mares’ Hurdle Prospects
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle features a strong lineup including Dream On Baby, Jade De Grugy, and Wodhooh, the latter identified by Gordon Elliott as a key chance for a festival winner. Other contenders include Feet Of A Dancer, Lavida Adiva, Lossiemouth, Murcia, Nurse Susan, and Take No Chances.
Stayers’ Hurdle Lineup
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle boasts a competitive field including Ballyburn, Bob Olinger, Doddiethegreat, Gowel Road, Gwennie May Boy, Hewick, Home By The Lee, Honest Policy, Impose Toi, Kabral du Mathan, Ma Shantou, and Teahupoo.
Latest Odds
- Ryanair Chase (Coral): 8-13 Fact To File, 6-4 Gaelic Warrior, 5-2 Il Etait Temps, 4 Jonbon, 5 Banbridge, Heart Wood, 6 Impaire Et Passe, Romeo Coolio, 14 Firefox, 20 bar
- Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Paddy Power): 2 Teahupoo, 4 Honesty Policy, Kabral Du Mathan, 5 Bob Olinger, 6 Ma Shantou, 10 Ballyburn, Impose Toi, 16 Hewick, 25 Feet Of A Dancer, Home By The Lee, 40 Doddiethegreat, 50 Gowel Road, Gwennie May Boy
- Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Coral): 8-11 Lossiemouth, 4-5 Wodhooh, 7-2 Jade De Grugy, 7 Feet Of A Dancer, 8 Take No Chances, 25 Dream On Baby, Jetara, Nurse Susan, 66 Bar
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