Fact To File Faces Withdrawal from Ryanair Chase Amid Cheltenham Drama
In a major development on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, the champion horse Fact To File appears set to be withdrawn from the prestigious Ryanair Chase. Owner JP McManus has provided a significant update, confirming that the decision is leaning heavily towards pulling the fan-favourite gelding from the 4pm GMT race, unless substantial late rain falls on the course.
Ground Conditions Spark Owner's Concerns
The Willie Mullins-trained star, who triumphed in this race in 2025, arrived at the Festival in formidable form following a commanding five-length victory in the Irish Gold Cup. However, McManus expressed deep reservations about the ground, stating to ITV Sport less than two hours before the race: "I have to say I found it, too much for him, I was a bit, part of the course, altogether, not to my liking."
He elaborated, "I've walked the track every day, they've done a great job, but I think they could've done more, especially at the top of the track, not everyone would agree with me. If there's significant rain, he'll run, if there's not, he won't." This sentiment was echoed earlier by his racing manager Frank Berry, who remarked on Thursday morning, "I’m very worried about the ground, it’s up in the air at the moment."
Race Favourite's Status in Jeopardy
Fact To File had been the Evens favourite to defend his crown in this champion race of St. Patrick’s Thursday, having been selected to compete here over Friday’s Gold Cup. The nine-year-old is renowned for his performance in the Ryanair Chase, a Grade 1 race for horses aged five and up, run over an intermediate distance of two miles, four and a half furlongs.
Last year, he delivered a spectacular nine-length victory, sitting behind the leading trio before jockey Mark Walsh eased him past at the third-to-last jump, leaping clear over the final fence. Despite a consistent downpour of rain on Thursday morning, the going remained Good to Good to Soft, insufficiently softened for McManus’ team to believe Fact To File could perform optimally.
Implications for the Ryanair Chase Field
Should Fact To File be withdrawn, the race dynamics would shift dramatically. McManus has a second entry, Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville. Jonbon is one of the country’s most in-form racehorses, with an impressive record of 20 wins from 27 races and never finishing outside the top two, making him a close rival at 4/1 odds.
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins also trains Impaire Et Passe, to be ridden by Paul Townend. The withdrawal of Fact To File would likely set the stage for a tightly contested affair between Jonbon and Impaire Et Passe, heightening anticipation among racegoers. McManus acknowledged his authority in the decision, noting, "I left it to Willy, but I can overrule him," underscoring the high stakes involved in this last-minute call.
