Ben Hutton analyses the minute moves which determined a tactical Ryanair

In the latest of our new series analysing all the big races at Cheltenham, Ben Hutton analyses a thrilling Ryanair Chase won by Min.

It was a concern in some quarters that Min was winless in three previous visits to the Cheltenham Festival, but he had finished second to the all-conquering Altior on two occasions before failing to settle when a below-par fifth in last year's Champion Chase.

Min's presence in the Ryanair did detract from the Champion Chase – he may well have won that more prestigious Grade 1 – but only the harshest critic could make an issue of it. The Ryanair was the right race for the nine-year-old, who had won three of his previous four attempts at 2m4f, and his first festival victory was fully deserved.