Cheltenham day three brings another high-class afternoon of racing, and Thursday’s card always carries a different feel as the meeting moves into its later stages.
Known to many fans as St Patrick’s Thursday, Day 3 regularly delivers some of the loudest celebrations of the week, with strong Irish representation across the card and several major races still to be decided.
Below is our full Cheltenham Day 3 preview and tips, race by race, looking at the main contenders and the horses who could have a big say in how Thursday unfolds at the Festival.
13:20 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
Bambino Fever is the pick of many tipsters ahead of the mares’ novice hurdle and looks to hold strong claims if running to the level she has shown so far this season. She arrives in good form and has the profile of a mare capable of landing a race of this nature.
Oldschool Outlaw is widely viewed as the main danger. She had Bambino Fever behind her when beating her at Naas in December 2025, and that piece of form gives her every chance of being closely involved again.
For those looking beyond the two market leaders, La Conquiere could be the interesting option for each-way punters.
TIP: Oldschool Outlaw
DANGER: Bambino Fever
E/W VALUE: La Conquiere
2:00 Jack Richards Novices’ Chase
The second race on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival is the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, a race that has gone through several name changes in recent years.
Run over two and a half miles, it often produces a fiercely competitive race featuring improving novice chasers who have been carefully campaigned for a tilt at the Festival.
Meetmebythesea currently heads the market at 11/2, having produced a number of solid performances this season. Close behind in the betting is Regent’s Stroll (6/1), a horse who has shown plenty of ability and arrives with a profile that suggests he could be well suited to this sort of test. Jordans Cross (8/1) is another who has been prominent in the market, while Sixmilebridge (9/1) looks an interesting contender with the potential to run a big race in a handicap of this nature.
Further down the betting, King Alexander (20/1) may appeal to each-way backers looking for a bit of value in what is expected to be a very competitive field.
TIP: Sixmilebridge (NR)
MAIN DANGER: Regent’s Stroll
E/W VALUE: King Alexander
2:40 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Few races at Cheltenham have been dominated by one trainer in the same way. Willie Mullins has an extraordinary record in the race, winning eleven of the eighteen runnings, including six consecutive victories with the brilliant Quevega and the last two renewals with Lossiemouth.
At the head of the market this year is Wodhooh (4/5), who arrives with strong support from many tipsters. If the Gordon Elliott trained mare produces her best performance, she looks the mare they will all have to beat.
The most obvious challenger appears to be Jade De Grugy (7/2), who represents Willie Mullins yard and has shown plenty of ability in her previous runs. If the favourite falters, she looks the most likely to capitalise.
With only seven runners declared, this looks a race where the focus will be firmly on the two market leaders rather than an each-way play.
TIP: Wodhooh
MAIN DANGER: Jade De Grugy
3:20 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle forms the centrepiece of Day 3 at the Cheltenham Festival.
This year’s renewal looks competitive, with several proven stayers lining up for the Festival crown. Teahupoo (11/4) is the choice of many punters and heads the market for Gordon Elliott, with Jack Kennedy booked for the ride. He has been a leading player in this division for some time and sets a high standard for the rest to match.
The main challenger in the betting appears to be Kabral Du Mathan (9/2), trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton. He has continued to improve and looks well-suited to a strongly run three-mile test.
Another runner attracting support is Honesty Policy (5/1), who has been popular with punters in the build-up to the race and has the type of profile that suggests he could get involved in the finish.
Among the bigger prices, Bob Olinger and Hewick stand out as interesting outsiders. Both bring plenty of experience and class to the table and could easily outrun their odds if the race unfolds in their favour.
TIP: Teahupoo
MAIN DANGER: Kabral Du Mathan
E/W VALUE: Hewick
4:00 Ryanair Chase
This year’s renewal appears to revolve around Fact To File (8/11), trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh. He has attracted strong support in the betting and is widely viewed as the horse they all have to beat.
One horse who could give him something to think about is Jonbon (15/2), representing Nicky Henderson with Nico de Boinville in the saddle. A high-class performer over two miles, stepping up in trip adds an interesting dimension and he has the ability to be involved if he sees out the distance.
Banbridge (7/1) is another runner who demands respect and has already shown he can perform at the highest level. With the right run through the race, he could easily play a part in the finish.
Among the bigger prices, Heart Wood for Henry De Bromhead looks the most interesting outsider and may appeal to those searching for a horse capable of outrunning his odds.
TIP: Fact To File
MAIN DANGER: Jonbon
OUTSIDER: Heart Wood
4:40 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
Run over three miles, the race often produces a strongly run contest and has a reputation for highlighting horses who later progress over fences. In recent years, both Presenting Percy and Delta Work used this race as a stepping stone before going on to successful novice chasing campaigns.
At the head of the betting is Supremely West (4/1) for Dan Skelton, with Harry Skelton in the saddle. He has been prominent in the market for some time and brings the type of profile that usually performs well in this race.
Next in the betting is C’Est Different (11/2), while Electric Mason (10/1) has been tipped by several analysts online and could attract support as the race approaches.
At slightly bigger odds, Absolutely Doyen (12/1) represents Paul Nicholls with Harry Cobden booked for the ride. He has been gaining support in the betting and could be one to keep an eye on.
TIP: Supremely West
MAIN DANGER: C’Est Different
OUTSIDER: Absolutely Doyen
5:20 Kim Muir Handicap Chase
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup brings the curtain down on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival.
Irish trainers have held a strong grip on this contest in recent years, winning six of the last seven renewals, with the Venetia Williams-trained Chambard the only British-trained winner during that period when scoring in 2022.
This year’s race looks, on paper, to revolve around two runners at the head of the market. Jeriko Du Reponet (9/2) represents Nicky Henderson. He has been running consistently well in competitive races..
Sharing favouritism in the betting is Waterford Whispers (9/2) for Henry De Bromhead, with Mr Alan O’Sullivan booked for the ride. He arrives with solid form and could be well placed to challenge if he handles the demands of this testing contest.
Next in the market is Kim Roque (9/1), trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien and partnered by Mr J L Gleeson. With a bit of improvement, he could easily become involved in the finish and looks a possible each-way option.
TIP: Jeriko Du Reponet
MAIN DANGER: Waterford Whispers
OUTSIDER: Kim Roque
That’s how the card looks for Day 3 at the Cheltenham Festival, with several fascinating races. From the Stayers’ Hurdle to the always competitive handicaps, Thursday’s racing should provide plenty of drama before the Festival heads into its final day.
If a few of the selections above run their race, there is every chance of finishing Day Three on a positive note before attention turns to the big finale on Friday. Enjoy the racing and best of luck with your bets.
BETFRED
