Ryanair Chase

Former champion jockey Ruby Walsh has admitted he cannot split Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior ahead of the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Walsh described the pair as “off the charts” in the Ryanair market but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding their intended targets, with both also holding entries in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The central question, according to Walsh, is stamina. He referenced Florida Pearl as an example of a horse who thrived at Leopardstown but did not quite see out the Gold Cup trip at Cheltenham. That same doubt now hovers over both Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior.

Gaelic Warrior would need to settle to conserve energy over three miles and beyond, while Fact To File did not appear to fully see out the Gold Cup distance last season. Even though Fact To File shaped well over three miles at Leopardstown when ridden aggressively, the extended three and a quarter miles at Cheltenham presents a different challenge.

Walsh pointed out that while the step up in trip may appear minimal on paper, those extra furlongs can make a significant difference on the New Course. He suggested that when connections weigh up the options, one camp may decide the Ryanair represents a more straightforward opportunity.

He expects trainer Willie Mullins to hold open discussions with owners before making a final call, likely closer to declaration time. Walsh stressed that plans can remain fluid until 48 hours before the race, with the risk of minor training setbacks always present.

From a betting perspective, Walsh was clear. If forced to choose now, he would split his stake between Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior in the Ryanair market, believing that whichever lines up would likely start at very short odds.

With both horses holding leading claims, the decision over which race they contest could shape the outcome of day three at Cheltenham.