Betting
RYANAIR CHASE: Leopardstown hero Conflated to head for Thursday feature over 2022 Gold Cup, connections confirm
Allaho will take on this year’s Leopardstown Gold Cup hero Conflated in two weeks’ time
Irish Gold Cup winner Conflated will take on Allaho in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, owner Michael O’Leary has confirmed.
Gigginstown House Stud have not had a winner in the race since Balko Des Flos saw off Un De Sceaux back in 2018, with Willie Mullins taking the last two renewals through Min and the aforementioned ante-post favourite for this year’s contest.
But Gordon Elliot’s charge will drop down in trip at Prestbury Park instead of taking on stable-mate Galvin in the blue ribbon contest.
“I don’t think Conflated will win the Gold Cup, because if Galvin runs in the Gold Cup for Gordon, I think we’ll switch Conflated to the Ryanair,” O’Leary told Sky Sports Racing.
“I don’t think Conflated would beat Galvin and I think it would make sense from Gordon’s point of view to divide the two horses.
“We’ll go and take on Willie in the Ryanair.”
The popular owner also confirmed that the Gloucestershire track will be the stage of Tiger Roll’s last ever racecourse appearance.
A five-time winner at the Festival, the former Grand National successor will be retired after the Cross Country Chase on day two.
“You cannot defy age. He will not be in the Grand National by the time he runs in the cross country – he’s coming out at the next forfeit stage. I have no intention of asking the horse, who is like a fifth child to me, to carry 11st 8lb or 11st 10lb around Aintree at his age.
“Thankfully, the Tiger Roll controversy will never happen again because he will be retired after the cross-country race in Cheltenham this year.”
