Fact To File’s Cheltenham Festival Future: Gold Cup or Ryanair Chase?

The Willie Mullins-trained Fact To File is now the shortest-priced favorite for next week’s Cheltenham Festival, following his impressive victory in the Irish Gold Cup last month. Owner JP McManus has until noon on Saturday to decide whether to supplement the nine-year-old for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, or keep him entered in the Ryanair Chase. Currently, Coral has Fact To File at 8-13 to defend his title in the Ryanair Chase, a race he won last year defeating Heart Wood by nine lengths.

Ryanair Chase Remains the Likely Target

Despite a career-best performance beating Gaelic Warrior at the Dublin Racing Festival, discussions continue regarding Fact To File’s optimal Cheltenham assignment. Coral’s David Stevens noted, “Fact To File is currently the shortest priced ante-post favourite we have for any of next week’s festival races, with the recent support for JP McManus’s star strongly suggesting he will be bidding for back-to-back Ryanair victories rather than going for Gold next week.”

Other Key Runners in the Ryanair Chase

Gaelic Warrior, also trained by Mullins, remains confirmed for the Ryanair Chase, though the Gold Cup remains an option. Other potential contenders include Energumene, Il Etait Temps, and Impaire Et Passe, all under the guidance of Mullins. Jonbon is still in contention, but trainer Nicky Henderson has indicated a preference for waiting for Aintree after two challenging races at Ascot. Romeo Coolio, trained by Gordon Elliott, is also entered, alongside potential runs in the Singer Arkle Chase and Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

Mares’ Hurdle and Stayers’ Hurdle Contenders

The debate extends beyond the chase division. Lossiemouth, a previous winner of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, is also under consideration for the Unibet Champion Hurdle. She is currently 8-11 with Coral, closely followed by Wodhooh at 4-5. Other notable mares in the Mares’ Hurdle include Jade De Grugy and Murcia, both trained by Mullins, and Nurse Susan and Grab No Chances from Dan Skelton’s stable.

In the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, Teahupoo and Bob Olinger, past winners of the race, are among the 13 confirmations. Kabral du Mathan, a Relkeel Hurdle winner, is set to step up to three miles for the first time, while Honest Policy and Impose Toi could represent McManus in the contest.

Cheltenham Festival Odds (as of March 6, 2026)

• Ryanair Chase (Coral): 8-13 Fact To File, 6-4 Gaelic Warrior, 5-2 Il Etait Temps, 4 Jonbon
• Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Coral): 8-11 Lossiemouth, 4-5 Wodhooh
• Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Paddy Power): 2 Teahupoo, 4 Honesty Policy, Kabral Du Mathan

The coming days will be crucial as McManus finalizes his plans for Fact To File and Lossiemouth, potentially shaping the outcome of several key races at the Cheltenham Festival.