Fact To File, the defending champion of the Ryanair Chase, has been scratched from the race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival due to unsuitable ground conditions.
Owner’s Decision on Ground Conditions
Owner JP McManus announced the withdrawal on Thursday afternoon, stating the horse would only participate if significant rain softened the track. The Willie Mullins-trained contender entered the event as the evens favorite to repeat last year’s victory.
McManus shared his assessment with ITV Sport shortly before the race: “I left it to Willy but I can overrule him. I have to say I found it too much for him. Part of the course altogether not to my liking.”
He added that he had inspected the track daily and believed more could have been done, particularly at the top section. “Not everyone would agree with me,” McManus noted. “If there’s significant rain, he’ll run; if there’s not, he won’t.”
Trainer Mullins Confirms Withdrawal
Following the official confirmation, trainer Willie Mullins explained: “We waited all day for rain and it hasn’t come. These horses are too hard to find and too hard to get. The ground is not good enough. If the ground is going to be like this, we’re not going to bring them.”
