IT'S A FACT

MCMANUS' TWO CHASING STARS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN RYANAIR CLASH

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AFTER swerving a tilt at Cheltenham Gold Cup glory, Fact To File is back to defend the Ryanair Chase crown he won so impressively last year, this time in a fascinating clash with the hugely popular Jonbon.

Willie Mullins’ Irish Gold Cup hero has lit up Prestbury Park with dazzling displays the last two years, in particularly when winning the Thursday feature 12 months ago, and now has the chance to secure a third straight Cheltenham Festival triumph.

Owner JP McManus said: “He wasn’t entered for the Gold Cup for a reason and that was I was worried he might not get the trip.

“Everyone wants to win the Gold Cup and no more than myself, but the Ryanair felt the right thing for the horse.”

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry added: “He would like some rain and it walked quite good, so it could be a concern – you only have to look at his run at Kempton on what could be similar ground.