Ryanair Chase Tips 2025 – The Battle Between Fact To File and Il Est Francais
The Ryanair Chase, a Grade One Chase open to horses aged five or older, takes place on the new course covering approximately two-and-a-half miles.
Featuring seventeen fences to conquer, this race provides an opportunity for horses to achieve festival success over a moderate distance.
Run over 2 miles and 4½ furlongs on Cheltenham’s New Course, the race has become a cornerstone of the festival, catering to middle-distance chasers who thrive at this intermediate trip.
In 2024, Protektorat, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, claimed victory in a thrilling contest, defeating the 2023 winner Envoi Allen.
As we approach the 2025 renewal on Thursday, March 13th, all eyes are on a fascinating clash between emerging stars and seasoned contenders.
Runners To Watch
Below are our Ryanair Chase tips and previews for selected runners who hold entries for the race in 2025.
This year’s Ryanair Chase promises to be a fiercely competitive affair with nine declared runners.
Among them, Fact To File and Il Est Francais have emerged as leading contenders. Both bring strong form and contrasting styles to what could be a tactical battle.
Fact To File
Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh, Fact To File is an eight-year-old with an impressive record.
After winning the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at last year’s festival, he has been redirected to this race following two gallant runner-up finishes behind Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown.
His ability to handle Cheltenham’s undulating course and his proven stamina make him a formidable contender.
Mullins’ decision to drop him back in trip suggests confidence in his speed and versatility.
Il Est Francais
The French raider Il Est Francais, trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, comes into this race with high expectations.
Runner-up in the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton, he has shown class and resilience at the top level.
James Reveley takes the ride on this seven-year-old, whose sharp turn of foot could be decisive if the ground remains good to soft.
Connections believe he will “take plenty of stopping” if conditions suit.
Protektorat
Last year’s winner Protektorat, trained by Dan Skelton, returns to defend his title.
Now ten years old, he has maintained consistent form, including a recent win at Windsor.
His experience and familiarity with this race give him an edge over less seasoned rivals.
However, as he faces younger challengers like Fact To File and Il Est Francais, he will need to produce another top-class performance.
Other Notable Runners
Envoi Allen: The 2023 winner and runner-up last year for Henry de Bromhead is back for another crack under Rachael Blackmore.
At eleven years old, his best days might be behind him, but his Cheltenham record cannot be ignored.
Djelo: Venetia Williams’ seven-year-old has shown promise but lacks experience at this level.
With Charlie Deutsch aboard, he could spring a surprise if others falter.
Heart Wood: Another Henry de Bromhead-trained runner, Heart Wood is lightly raced but talented.
Darragh O’Keeffe will need to deliver a career-best ride for him to feature.
Master Chewy: Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, Master Chewy is an outsider but has shown flashes of ability that could see him challenge for minor honours.
Hang In There: Emma Lavelle’s eleven-year-old is consistent but may lack the class needed to win at this level.
Jungle Boogie: The third De Bromhead entry is enigmatic but talented.
If Danny Mullins can unlock his potential on the day, he could play a role.
2025 Ryanair Chase Tips
Fact To File, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh, is the standout favourite for the Ryanair Chase at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
The eight-year-old gelding brings a stellar profile to the race, having previously triumphed in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase over three miles on heavy ground.
His seasonal campaign has been equally impressive, highlighted by a commanding victory in the John Durkan Memorial Chase and two strong runner-up finishes behind Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown.
This drop back to 2 miles and 4½ furlongs is expected to suit him perfectly. He has demonstrated both stamina and speed in his performances, making him adaptable to varying race conditions.
Fact To File also boasts proven Cheltenham form, which is a critical factor in this demanding contest.
With Mullins’ expert training and Walsh’s tactical riding, he looks primed to deliver another Grade 1 victory on Thursday.
TIP: Fact To File to Win the Ryanair Chase 2025
Prediction
The 2025 Ryanair Chase looks set to revolve around the clash between Fact To File and Il Est Francais.
Both horses possess the class and form required to win this prestigious contest.
Fact To File’s proven stamina over longer trips could give him an edge if the race turns into a test of endurance.
Conversely, Il Est Francais’ speed and agility make him dangerous in a tactical or fast-run race.
Protektorat’s experience cannot be discounted; as last year’s winner, he knows what it takes to succeed here.
However, his advancing age may leave him vulnerable against younger legs.
Envoi Allen also brings festival-winning experience but will need significant improvement on recent form to challenge for victory.
An intriguing subplot will be how jockeys tactically position their mounts during the race.
The pace set by frontrunners like Djelo or Hang In There could dictate whether it becomes a stamina test or a sprint finish.
Runners & Odds
*odds correct at time of publication
| Number | Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Fact To File | M P Walsh | W P Mullins | 5/4 |
| 6 | Il Est Francais | J Reveley | N George & A Zetterholm | 3/1 |
| 9 | Protektorat | Harry Skelton | D Skelton | 11/2 |
| 1 | Djelo | Charlie Deutsch | Miss V Williams | 12/1 |
| 7 | Jungle Boogie | D E Mullins | H De Bromhead | 12/1 |
| 2 | Envoi Allen | Rachael Blackmore | H De Bromhead | 16/1 |
| 5 | Heart Wood | D J O’Keeffe | H De Bromhead | 16/1 |
| 8 | Master Chewy | Sam Twiston-Davies | N A Twiston-Davies | 40/1 |
| 4 | Hang In There | H Cobden | Miss E C Lavelle | 80/1 |
Conclusion
The Ryanair Chase consistently delivers drama and quality racing as one of Cheltenham’s standout events.
This year’s renewal promises no less with its blend of seasoned campaigners like Protektorat and Envoi Allen facing off against rising stars such as Fact To File and Il Est Francais.
While Fact To File appears slightly favored due to his Cheltenham form and versatility over varying distances, Il Est Francais’ raw talent makes him an equally compelling choice—especially if ground conditions favor speedier types.
Punters seeking value might also consider Protektorat for a place or even Djelo as an outsider capable of outrunning his odds.
As we count down to Thursday afternoon’s spectacle, one thing is certain: the Ryanair Chase will once again captivate racing fans with its thrilling mix of strategy, stamina, and speed on National Hunt racing’s grandest stage.
BETFRED
