16:00 Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Race preview

Connections of Fact To File had plenty to think about after his scintillating display in the Irish Gold Cup and they have opted to try and win a second Ryanair. Willie Mullins' star produced an effort out of the top drawer when storming clear of Heart Wood here last season but he must now back up his Leopardstown success, with some of his below-par efforts in the last 12 months coming after a big performance. Banbridge didn't appear to stay in the Gold Cup last year but commands plenty of respect over this distance, although it is another previous Festival winner in IMPAIRE ET PASSE who appeals most. His only Cheltenham appearance saw him run away with the 2023 Ballymore and the eight-year-old displayed a sharp turn of foot on his comeback on heavy ground at Gowran. He arrives fresher than his main rivals and there is every chance he has more to offer over fences. The hugely admirable Jonbon toughed it out in both the Clarence House and the Ascot Chase and it will be interesting to see how he fares over a longer trip at a track where he hasn't produced his very best form.