Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival delivers another excellent afternoon of racing as the meeting moves into the later stages of the week.
Thursday traditionally carries its own atmosphere at Prestbury Park, with several championship races still to be decided and plenty of competitive handicaps on the card.
Often referred to as St Patrick’s Thursday, the day is well known for strong Irish representation across many of the races and the celebrations that follow big victories. With a mix of Grade 1 contests and large-field handicaps, the third day of the Festival regularly produces some of the most memorable moments of the week.
Below is our Cheltenham Day 3 tips, looking at each race in turn and highlighting the runners who could have the biggest influence on how Thursday unfolds.
13:20 – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
Many tipsters have been siding with Bambino Fever in the mares’ novice hurdle, and her form this season suggests she has the ability to take a race of this quality. She arrives in good shape and has already shown the level of performance required to be competitive at the Festival.
Oldschool Outlaw is widely regarded as the most obvious threat. She finished ahead of Bambino Fever when the two met at Naas in December 2025, and that form gives her every chance of being closely involved once again.
Outside the two market principals, La Conquiere is an interesting runner for each-way supporters and could prove better than her price if the race unfolds in her favour.
TIP: Oldschool Outlaw
MAIN DANGER: Bambino Fever
E/W VALUE: La Conquiere
14:00 – Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
The Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase is the second race on Day 3 and has undergone several name changes in recent years.
Run over two and a half miles, it usually attracts improving novice chasers who have been aimed at the Festival with this race in mind.
Meetmebythesea (11/2) currently tops the betting after a number of solid performances this season. Not far behind in the market sits Regent’s Stroll (6/1), whose form suggests he could be well suited to a race of this nature.
Jordans Cross (8/1) is another runner who has been prominent in the betting, while Sixmilebridge (9/1) looks particularly interesting after some progressive performances that hint he could run a big race in this handicap.
Further down the market, King Alexander (20/1) may appeal to each-way backers searching for a bit of value in what looks a competitive contest.
TIP: Sixmilebridge (Non Runner)
MAIN DANGER: Regent’s Stroll
E/W VALUE: King Alexander
14:40 – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Few races at Cheltenham have been dominated by a single trainer in the way the Mares’ Hurdle has been by Willie Mullins. The Irish champion trainer has won eleven of the eighteen runnings, including six consecutive victories with the brilliant Quevega, followed by the last two renewals with Lossiemouth.
This year the market is headed by Wodhooh (4/5), who has attracted plenty of support in the betting. The Gordon Elliott-trained mare sets the standard on recent form and will take plenty of beating if she runs to that level.
The most obvious rival is Jade De Grugy (7/2) from the Willie Mullins yard. She has shown plenty of ability and could be the one to capitalise if the favourite fails to deliver her best.
With only seven runners declared, this looks a race likely to revolve around the two market leaders rather than offering much in the way of each-way value.
TIP: Wodhooh
MAIN DANGER: Jade De Grugy
15:20 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle is the headline race on Day 3 and serves as the championship event for long-distance hurdlers.
This year’s contest features several established performers. Teahupoo (11/4) heads the betting for Gordon Elliott, with Jack Kennedy in the saddle. He has been a leading contender in the staying division for some time and brings a strong level of form into the race.
The main rival in the market is Kabral Du Mathan (9/2) for Dan Skelton, with Harry Skelton taking the ride. He continues to progress and appears well suited to a strongly run three-mile race.
Another runner drawing attention from punters is Honesty Policy (5/1), who has been popular in the betting ahead of the race.
At bigger odds, Bob Olinger and Hewick look the most interesting outsiders. Both horses bring experience and quality to the contest and could easily outrun their prices if things fall their way.
TIP: Teahupoo
MAIN DANGER: Kabral Du Mathan
E/W VALUE: Hewick
16:00 – Ryanair Chase
The Ryanair Chase is the feature race on Thursday afternoon and appears to revolve around Fact To File (8/11) for Willie Mullins, with Mark Walsh in the saddle. The favourite has attracted significant support and is widely viewed as the horse to beat.
Jonbon (15/2) for Nicky Henderson, ridden by Nico de Boinville, could pose the biggest threat. Normally seen over shorter trips, the step up in distance adds an interesting angle and he certainly has the class to be involved.
Banbridge (7/1) also deserves respect and has already shown he can compete at the highest level.
Among the bigger priced runners, Heart Wood, trained by Henry De Bromhead, looks the most interesting outsider and may appeal to those seeking value.
TIP: Fact To File
MAIN DANGER: Jonbon
OUTSIDER: Heart Wood
16:40 – Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle is run over three miles and traditionally features horses who have qualified through a series of races earlier in the season.
It has often served as a stepping stone for horses who later go on to achieve success over fences, with Presenting Percy and Delta Work both winning the race before excellent novice chase campaigns the following season.
At the head of the market sits Supremely West (4/1) for Dan Skelton, with Harry Skelton booked to ride.
C’Est Different (11/2) is next in the betting, while Electric Mason (10/1) has been highlighted by several tipsters and could attract support closer to the race.
Another runner gaining attention is Absolutely Doyen (12/1) from the Paul Nicholls yard, partnered by Harry Cobden.
TIP: Supremely West
MAIN DANGER: C’Est Different
OUTSIDER: Absolutely Doyen
17:20 – Kim Muir Handicap Chase
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup brings Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival to a close.
Irish trainers have dominated the race in recent years, winning six of the last seven runnings, with the Venetia Williams-trained Chambard the only British-trained winner during that period.
This year’s race appears to centre around Jeriko Du Reponet (9/2) for Nicky Henderson, who has been running consistently well in competitive company.
Waterford Whispers (9/2) for Henry De Bromhead, ridden by Mr Alan O’Sullivan, shares favouritism in the market and also looks a strong contender.
Next in the betting is Kim Roque (9/1) for Joseph Patrick O’Brien, with Mr J L Gleeson taking the ride. With some improvement, he could easily play a role in the finish.
TIP: Jeriko Du Reponet
MAIN DANGER: Waterford Whispers
OUTSIDER: Kim Roque
That’s how the Cheltenham Day 3 card shapes up, with a mixture of championship races and competitive handicaps across the afternoon. From the Stayers’ Hurdle to the always unpredictable closing handicap, Thursday promises another memorable day at the Festival.
If a few of the selections above perform as expected, there is every chance of ending Day Three in good spirits before the focus shifts to the final day on Friday. Enjoy the racing and good luck with your bets.
BETFRED
