The
Ryanair Chase (registered as The Festival Trophy). This Grade 1
National Hunt race is open to horses aged five years and older.
Seventeen fences run over 2m 5f. It takes place on day three of the
Festival 15th March.
Get
ready for this racing spectacular.
2:50
Cheltenham
This
race has a relatively short history compared with the likes of the
Gold Cup. We have to go back to 2005 for its inauguration.
Thisthatandtother winning for Paul Nicholls, ridden by Ruby Walsh.
Readers may remember Taranis won for the same partnership in 2007.
This French-bred gelding being the youngest victor at six years of
age.
Albertas
Run is the most successful horse winning twice in 2010 & 2011 for
Jonjo O'Neill and A P McCoy.
Ruby
Walsh has found favour in this race with four wins from 2005 –
2017. Un De Sceaux being the most recent winner taking last year's
contest in game style. Willie Mullins has won the last two years,
Vautour in 2016.
As
mentioned, Taranis is the youngest winner, aged six back in 2007. The
oldest being ten-year-olds Albertas Run (2011), Fondmort (2006) &
Our Vic (2008).
Trainers
with two wins in the Ryanair Chase: Nicky Henderson, David Pipe, Paul
Nicholls & Jonjo O'Neill.
2:50
Cheltenham - The Ryanair Chase (registered as The Festival Trophy)
Don't miss these Cheltenham betting tips. Let's take a look at a few
major hopes.
Willie
Mullins may have a few aces up his sleeve. Certainly, Un Des
Sceaux is going to take some stopping after winning this race in
2017. This is a son of Denham Red. A French-bred gelding who has won
20 of his 26 races. Total earning over £1m. That level of prize
winnings tells a story. He won ''gamely'' last year by just under two
lengths. There isn't any reason to knock this horse who will most
likely start favourite. Williamhill are best
priced at 3/1. Interesting to see how this horse goes in the betting
on the day. If drifting a fraction, would be a steal for each-way
punters.
Willie
Mullins is such a powerhouse that he has a number of entrants for the
Ryanair Chase. This number gives strength and depth but it might be
an issue for punters interested in ante-post bets. You don't want to
see a non runner.
Mullins
has a number of possible runners: Un Des Sceaux 3/1, Douvan 8/1, Min
10/1, Yorkhill 10/1, Benie Des Dieux, Djakadam 16/1, Killultagh Vic
20/1, Bachasson 20/1 & Bellshill 25/1. This army of entrants may
well be reason enough to wait until the day to bet.
Waiting
Patiently could throw a spanner in the works of Irish fans. Ruth
Jefferson trains from Norton, North Yorkshire. She must be dreaming
of this son of Flemensfirth. Owned by Richard Collins. This
seven-year-old bay gelding has achieved seven straight wins. His
official rating 120 to 156. This progressive horse beat Cue Card last
time out. William Hill have him priced at 3/1.
Other
talents:
Fox
Norton. Colin Tizzard's charge had been going great guns until
pulling up on his last start. Priced 11/2 with Hills, this
eight-year-old has something to prove. Each-way backers could still
take an interest.
Willie
Mullins trains four entrants for Mrs S Ricci who is no stranger to
success at the Festival. Douvan is the best fancied at odds of 8/1.
Not seen for almost a year after finishing lame in the Queen Mother
Champion Chase.
Min
could be a real danger. This gelding sired by Walk In The Park is a
6/1 shot.
The
two other horses to run in these familiar silks are Djakadam (16/1) &
Benie Des Dieaux (16/1).
William Hill betting: Un Des Sceaux 3/1, Waiting Patiently 3/1, Fox Norton 11/2, Min 6/1, Douvan 8/1, Top Notch 8/1, York Hill 10/1, Balko Des Flos 9/1. 14/1 Bar.
At
the time of writing, 28 horses are still entered for this race. You
may reap rewards if a few big names take other engagements. Un Des
Sceaux looks a worthy favourite. However, Waiting Patiently and Min
could be each-way alternatives.