Heart Wood denies Jonbon to win Ryanair Chase

Heart Wood denies Jonbon to win Ryanair ChaseImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Heart Wood finished second in the Ryanair Chase in 2025 but went one better this timeByCharlotte CoatesBBC Sport journalistPublished12 March 2026, 16:44 GMTUpdated 19 minutes agoTrainer Henry de Bromhead celebrated his first victory of this year’s Cheltenham Festival when Heart Wood triumphed in the Ryanair Chase on day three.Fact To File, who finished ahead of Heart Wood in the race 12 months ago, was an odds-on favourite for a repeat victory at one point but was withdrawn 45 minutes before the race started, with the ground not suiting the JP McManus horse.Jonbon, who then began the race as favourite, looked in prime position to power through for the win, but jockey Darragh O’Keeffe was able to steer Heart Wood through.The 9-2 shot finished in front of 2-1 favourite Jonbon and 3-1 Banbridge.O’Keeffe told ITV: “I’m very grateful to be racing for Henry.”I was keen to get him a winner on the board. The horses have been running well, these colours have always been great to me.”Owner Brian Acheson saluted jockey O’Keeffe’s ride.”Darragh on the horse is the hero. He’s done it all now,” Acheson stated.”I’m delighted for him. It’s not about us as the owners, it’s about the jockeys and the trainers. We should be not seen, not heard!”De Boinville & Queally shake hands after ‘racial slurs’ accusation