Banbridge can prove his class in 2024 Ryanair Chase
Banbridge ridden by jockey JJ Slevin
Irish chaser Banbridge made a winning return to action in the Grade Two Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton.
He beat a small but strong field to showcase his credentials for the Ryanair Chase this season.
It was Joseph O’Brien’s chaser’s first start since April and once again he produced an impressive performance over the 2m4f distance.
He hit the front of the field just before the last fence before stretching away from defending champion Pic D’Orhy and Janidil, respectively.
Connections hoping for dry spell before festival
O’Brien has been very patient with his horse over the last 12 months, as he has avoided any races run in testing conditions. The Irish trainer will be hoping for a dry spell in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival this year, as that will suit his horse.
Banbridge is now the second favourite at 4/1 in the Ryanair Chase betting. Those looking to back the talented chaser should look for the best Cheltenham betting offers before the meeting.
You may be able to pick up a free bet by opening a new account, like the money back up to £50 as a free bet on offer with Paddy Power.
? Fine effort
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 13, 2023
Banbridge sees off Saint Roi to plunder the opening race of the Randox Grand National Festival, the G1 Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices' Chase @JosephOBrien2 | @AintreeRaces pic.twitter.com/KGykYAeWC7
The eight-year-old bypassed the Cheltenham Festival last season and instead ran at the Grand National Meeting a month later.
This proved a smart move from his connections as he won the Grade One Manifesto Novices’ Chase where he was much fresher than many of his rivals.
Banbridge should come on for Kempton run
In his first outing in 275 days, Banbridge was entitled to be a little rusty at Kempton on his seasonal reappearance. However, he was still able to get the better of a field full of Grade One winners.
The Irish horse should be even fitter when he lines up for the day three contest at the Cheltenham Festival. He has now featured six times over fences, and he appears to be getting better every run.
Jockey J J Slavin was able to get him into a relaxed rhythm at Kempton. He rarely made an error in his jumping, and it was evident he had grown stronger since his last appearance in April.
Former winner set to return for hat-trick bid
Another Grade 1 success for @Rachaelblackmor!
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 18, 2021
Allaho storms away to win the @Ryanair Chase for @WillieMullinsNH#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/TH7PFZMqAd
Banbridge’s biggest rival in the Ryanair Chase is set to be two-time winner Allaho. The 2021 and 2022 winner was forced to miss the race in 2023 due to injury. He has featured just twice in the last 20 months.
Willie Mullins’ runner is now 10 years old, so there are question marks about whether he remains the leading horse in the division.
He will need to bounce back from defeat in the King George VI Chase, as he had to settle for third place in that race won by Hewick.
The 173-rated chaser is looking to become the first horse in history to win the Ryanair Chase on three occasions. If he does prevail this year, beating Banbridge and a host of other upcoming chasers, it will be his best victory yet.
The 2024 Ryanair Chase takes place on Thursday, 14th of March. It is one of two Championship races set for day three of the meeting, with the Stayers’ Hurdle also scheduled for the day.
