First ran in 2005, the Ryanair Chase is now one of the most eagerly anticipated races at the Cheltenham Festival.
This is the ultimate test for middle distance chasers, with 17 fences to be jumped on the New Course at Prestbury Park. It is the ultimate test of speed, stamina and desire.
While the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup are more prestigious, the Ryanair Chase offers connections a chance to claim Grade One glory at the Cheltenham Festival.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most important Ryanair Chase trends and statistics.
Ryanair Chase Trends & Statistics
There are plenty of betting trends to follow for the Ryanair Chase – here are the key trends ahead of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival:
- 15/15 winners went off no bigger than 16/1 in horse racing odds.
- All 15 had started one or two races in the 90 days prior to Cheltenham.
- 15 out of 15 had won with same jockey onboard.
- 15/15 had at least two starts with the same jockey onboard.
- 14 of the 15s last win came at an English racecourse.
- 14 of the 15 winners ran in a field of six or more runners last time out.
- 14/15 had raced at least three times in Class 1 company.
- 14 out of 15 had previously raced at least two times at Cheltenham.
- 13/15 winners had made between two and four starts that season.
- 13 of the 15 winners had previously won over two miles five furlongs.
Top Trainers For The Ryanair Chase
Paul Nicholls is the most successful trainer in this race with three victories, most recently with Frodon at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.
He will be back to defend his crown in 2020 and regular partner Bryony Frost will be jockeyed up for the second year in a row – could we see an emotional repeat at Prestbury Park?
Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins have two wins apiece in this race and both trainers will have a couple of market principles for the 2020 Ryanair Chase.
Min has had to settle for second best in the two-mile chasing division behind Altior over the years but could be the one to watch as he steps up in trip.
Ryanair Chase Prize Money
There was a total prize fund of £350,000 up for grabs in the 2019 Ryanair Chase, making it one of the most lucrative races at the Cheltenham Festival.
With so much at stake, the best mid-distance chasers are likely to go to war at Prestbury Park – the Ryanair Chase could be one of the races of the week.
*Credit for the photo in this article belongs to Alamy*
