The early entries for the 2026 Ryanair Chase have officially closed. This event is shaping up to be a highlight of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. With 33 horses currently in contention, the race will feature a remarkable prize of £211,012, making it one of the most lucrative events of the festival.
Notable Trainers and Horses
Willie Mullins, renowned as the most successful trainer in Cheltenham history, has made several standout entries. He remains a favorite in the betting odds, but his competitors are determined to challenge his dominance.
Grade 1 Race Status
The Ryanair Chase holds a prestigious Grade 1 status. This means it consistently attracts unbeaten horses, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Early Entries for the 2026 Ryanair Chase
Below is the complete list of horses entered during the initial entry stage:
- Banbridge – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
- Better Days Ahead – Gordon Elliott
- Champ Kiely – W. P. Mullins
- Croke Park – Gordon Elliott
- Edwardstone – Alan King
- Energumene – W. P. Mullins
- Envoi Allen – Henry de Bromhead
- Fact To File – W. P. Mullins
- Firefox – Gordon Elliott
- Found A Fifty – Gordon Elliott
- Gaelic Warrior – W. P. Mullins
- Gidleigh Park – Harry Fry
- Grey Dawning – Dan Skelton
- Handstands – Ben Pauling
- Heart Wood – Henry de Bromhead
- Il Etait Temps – W. P. Mullins
- Impaire Et Passe – W. P. Mullins
- JPR One – Joe Tizzard
- Jango Baie – Nicky Henderson
- Jagwar – Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
- Jonbon – Nicky Henderson
- Kalif du Berlais – Paul Nicholls
- Majborough – W. P. Mullins
- Master Chewy – Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
- Matata – Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
- Panic Attack – Dan Skelton
- Protektorat – Dan Skelton
- Romeo Coolio – Gordon Elliott
- Solness – Joseph Patrick O’Brien
- Spillane’s Tower – James Joseph Mangan
- The Jukebox Man – Ben Pauling
- Thistle Ask – Dan Skelton
- Twinjets – Paul Nicholls
With just nine weeks remaining until the Cheltenham Festival, enthusiasts are eagerly placing bets on the Ryanair Chase through various platforms, including William Hill. Keep in mind that odds may fluctuate as the event approaches.
