Andy McNamara

RTÉ Sport racing analyst

Fact to File looks good fit for Ryanair carry-on

Fact to File connections could have taken a shot at the Gold Cup but instead have opted for Thursday's Ryanair chase, such is the reality of a four-day festival.

Racing • 12 Mar

Fluency the key for Champion Chase favourite Majborough

The Champion Chase is all about Majborough and he is the best horse in the race, but he's not perfect, writes Andy McNamara.

Cheltenham Festival • 11 Mar

Pilgrimage nears its end as wide-open Cheltenham awaits

After predictions of a 2025 Festival dominated by bankers, the 2026 Cheltenham meeting seems a much more wide open affair.

Racing • 09 Mar

Sunday has the thrills and spills to atone for washout

The cancellation of Saturday's racing is a blow to Leopardstown on one of the year's major earners, but Sunday can make up for it with a card full of quality and intrigue.

Racing • 31 Jan

Floodgates may open as Mullins string finds form

Images of a flooded Leopardstown on Tuesday morning suggested we were more likely to see Noah's Ark than the Arkle Novice Chase this weekend. Come Tuesday evening, Moses-like work from the ground staff parted the waters.

Racing • 30 Jan

'In a week of fallen stars, where have all the big names gone? We need a hero. But he's gotta be strong, he's gotta be fast and he's gotta be larger than life.'

Is there a modern Mill House to frank Galopin's legacy?

With Willie Mullins' star Galopin Des Champs set to make history with a third Gold Cup, Andy McNamara wonders if any of his opponents can give him the challenge the occasion deserves.

Racing • 14 Mar 25

'Twenty years later and the Ryanair Chase has never fully caught the imagination'

French raider adds intrigue to a proper Ryanair battle

The two miles five furlongs of the Ryanair Chase hits a nice sweet spot between the skeltering speed of a Champion Chase and the enduring grind of a Gold Cup, writes Andy McNamara

Racing • 13 Mar 25

Jonbon owes connections nothing but needs festival win

The Champion Chase is the big event on day two at Cheltenham and Andy McNamara believes that the race could be decided by how Jonbon performs.

Racing • 12 Mar 25

'The camps behind favourite Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead are both bullish'

Constitution Hill's chance to gallop into history books

The Cheltenham Festival has landed and the highlight of Day 1 is the Champion Hurdle. The starter will be vainly shouting at disobeying deaf ears around 4pm.

Racing • 11 Mar 25

'I won't be swapping the parade ring for the pool, thanks'

Mullins to reign supreme as Cheltenham buzz descends

The annual festival in the Gloucestershire countryside begins with a race named in honour of the late Michael O'Sullivan, as Willie Mullins is expected to provide a hail of winners again

Racing • 09 Mar 25