- The Ryanair Chase was introduced to The Festival in 2005. It replaced the Cathcart Chase, although the conditions of the race changed slightly with it being open to all horses rather than being restricted to first and second season chasers.
- The first three renewals were run as Grade Two contests. It became a Grade One affair in 2008.
- The Daily Telegraph backed the inaugural contest, with Irish airline Ryanair taking over the sponsorship for 2006. Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive, came close to winning his company’s money in 2008 when owning the runner-up Mossbank.
- Fondmort, the 100/30 joint-favourite, was landing his fourth race at Cheltenham when victorious in 2006. Our Vic, successful in 2008, was winning for the third time at the course and has a further four Cheltenham placed efforts to his name, including when runner-up in the 2007 Ryanair Chase.
- Last year’s winner Imperial Commander also boasted previous winning form at Cheltenham, with four previous successes at the course to his name including victory in the Grade Three Paddy Power Chase at The Open in November, 2008.
Ryanair Chase - Roll
(Ryanair Chase from 2006, Daily Telegraph Chase 2005)
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Imperial Commander | Paddy Brennan | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 6/1 |
| 2008 | Our Vic | Timmy Murphy | David Pipe | 4/1 |
| 2007 | Taranis | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | 9/2 |
| 2006 | Fondmort | Mick Fitzgerald | Nicky Henderson | 100/30JF |
| 2005 | Thisthatandtother | Ruby Walsh | Paul Nicholls | 9/2 |
