Heart Wood seizes Cheltenham Festival redemption but Fact To File withdrawal raises vital question
There was a collective groan from horseracing fans at the Cheltenham Festival when it became clear that JP McManus and Willie Mullins did not intend to run fan-favourite Fact To File in Thursday’s Ryanair Chase.
The pair had already raised the eyebrows of spectators last week when omitting him from Friday’s Gold Cup with the reaction to that news one of disbelief. But that wasn’t how McManus saw it.
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Mike Jones12 March 2026 16:56
Nicky Henderson speaking to ITV about Jonbon:
“He’s kept this amazing record in tact of never being out of the first two. He never gives up. He finished his race very strongly.
“We’ve toyed with the idea of three miles and you could argue he’d enjoy it. I thought he jumped brilliantly.
“When he was young, it was hard work but he’s mellowed so much as he’s got older. It’s easy with him now.”
Mike Jones12 March 2026 21:00
Paul Townend is the leading jockey so far at Cheltenham. He has three winners and four runners-up from 11 rides so far.
Harry Skelton is in second place with two winners, a second-place and three thirds.
Ireland’s Willie Mullins is the leading trainer, with five wins while England’s Nicky Henderson has three.
Mike Jones12 March 2026 20:00
Willie Mullins makes Cheltenham Festival threat after Fact to File withdraws from Ryanair Chase
Trainer Willie Mullins has threatened to stop bringing his best horses to Cheltenham Festival over the condition of the racecourse following the late withdrawal of Fact to File in the Ryanair Chase.
Racegoers were rocked on Thursday by the news that odds-on favourite Fact To File would not run in the feature race of St Patrick’s Thursday.
Mike Jones12 March 2026 19:00
Cheltenham Festival 2026 tips: Experts’ best bets and 13 horses to watch on Gold Cup day
The Cheltenham Festival is concludes today after three previous days of thrilling and unpredictable horseracing action.
Before it signs off for another year, Prestbury Park is set to deliver a sensational crescendo with a closely judged field taking to the course for the Gold Cup. The 2025 winner Inothewayurthinkin isn’t being favoured but previous success in this race tends to translate into form and Gavin Cromwell’s champion will attempt to win a second successive crown.
Mike Jones12 March 2026 18:30
Heading into the final day of racing it’s a close run thing in the Prestbury Cup.
That’s the battle between the Irish and British trainers and Ireland currently lead 11-10.
Seven races to go and it’s a tight contest, can the Brits pull off a win for the first time in a decade?
Mike Jones12 March 2026 18:15
James Nesbitt enjoying the Festival
Actor James Nesbitt has been at Cheltenham Festival today and decried about how much fun he’s having.
He said: “I’m loving it at Cheltenham this week. It’s great to be here. I always love it at Cheltenham.
“Ryanair day is always a special day for me after I won it in 2012 with Riverside Theatre (horse he owned). I can’t afford to get back into it now.
“Cheltenham always brings people together – it’s great. I just love it. No-one would come out in this weather unless there was a reason to, and this is a reason to.
“I’ve been staying with Mike and Zara (Tindall) for a couple of nights. I overslept and missed a dinner with them a couple of years ago, but I didn’t miss the dinner with them this time. I’ve matured!”
Mike Jones12 March 2026 18:00
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Mike Jones12 March 2026 17:50
1:20 – White Noise in The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
2:00 – Meetmebythesea in The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
2:40 – Wodhooh in The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
3.20 – Home By The Lee in Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
4.00 – Heart Wood in The Ryanair Chase
4:40 – Supremely West in The Pertemps Network Final
5.20 – Ask Brewster in The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase
Mike Jones12 March 2026 17:42
Ask Brewster wins the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase!
Neck and neck approaching the winning post but Ask Brewster had more in the tank and got the job done!
What a conclusion to day three at the Festival!
Mike Jones12 March 2026 17:28