The Ryanair Chase is a cornerstone of the National Hunt racing calendar. Formed in 2005, this esteemed Grade 1 event has served as a stage for champions to ascend, legends to be forged, and the untamed spirit of equine talent to be unleashed upon the hallowed turf of Prestbury Park.

For those looking for a bet on Cheltenham racing, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Banbridge emerges as the favoured contender — poised to navigate the testing course and distance alongside formidable opponents like last year’s winner Envoi Allen and Paul Nicholls’ Stage Star.

As excitement builds for this year’s renewal, let’s embark on a journey through time — revisiting the luminaries who have graced the winner’s enclosure and etched their names in the annals of Ryanair Chase history.

Balko Des Flos – 2018

Henry de Bromhead’s Balko Des Flos emerged triumphant in 2018, guided by the skilled hands of jockey Davy Russell.

Defying the odds at 8/1, the then seven-year-old showcased his mettle with a commanding victory — crossing the finish line over four lengths ahead of his nearest rival to seize a memorable triumph.

Frodon – 2019

2019 bore witness to the valiant Frodon, making racing enthusiasts up and down the country sit up and take notice with his bold and tenacious front-running display.

With jockey Bryony Frost in the saddle, the Nicholls-trained horse left his mark on the Ryanair Chase with a stirring victory at 9/2 — marking a historic moment as the first non-Irish-trained victor in eight years.

Min – 2020

Min ascended to glory in a display of unparalleled prowess in 2020.

Saddled by Willie Mullins and guided by rider Paul Townend, Min delivered a perfect performance — outshining competitors to clinch victory by a neck over Saint Calvados.

It was a crowning achievement for a horse who had often been eclipsed by the legendary Altior various times in the Cheltenham racing results.

Allaho – 2021 & 2022

The next two years saw the meteoric rise of Allaho, a true luminary in the annals of Ryanair Chase history.

Also trained by Mullins at Closutton but jockeyed by Rachael Blackmore then Townend, Allaho blazed a trail of dominance at Prestbury Park — securing successive victories with commanding margins of 12 and 14 lengths.

Despite grappling with injuries over the last couple of years, Allaho’s legacy remains untarnished — a beacon of excellence on the grand stage.

Envoi Allen – 2023

In the most recent chapter of Ryanair Chase saga, Envoi Allen emerged as the epitome of equine excellence.

Prepped by De Bromhead and steered by Jack Kennedy, Envoi Allen defied the odds at 13/2 — delivering a scintillating performance to outclass the favoured Shishkin and clinch victory.

It marked a third consecutive triumph for esteemed owners Cheveley Park Stud, solidifying their place in Ryanair Chase folklore.
—
As we gaze upon the tapestry of Ryanair Chase history, we are reminded of the timeless allure, the relentless pursuit of greatness, and the enduring legacy forged by champions who have graced Prestbury Park’s sacred turf.

The 2023 renewal of this thrilling race promised to be another enthralling contest, and it is hard to separate the front runners.