{"id":20856,"date":"2026-03-12T09:10:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T06:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=20856"},"modified":"2026-03-12T12:43:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:43:35","slug":"cheltenham-day-3-thursday-st-patricks-thursday-races-racecard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/cheltenham-day-3-thursday-st-patricks-thursday-races-racecard\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheltenham Day 3 (Thursday) \u2013 St Patrick\u2019s Thursday Races &#038; Racecard"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<div class=\"post_banner sticky\">\r\n                    <div class=\"container\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\">\r\n                        <div class=\"text\">\r\n                            <p>Choose your bet on <a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/horse-racing\/uk\/cheltenham\">Cheltenham Festival<\/a><\/p>\n\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                        <a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/horse-racing\/uk\/cheltenham\">BET<\/a>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"responsibly\">18+ | Play responsibly | BeGambleAware.org<\/div>\r\n                <\/div>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the Cheltenham Festival keeps unfolding on the tracks at Prestbury Park, <\/span><b>Cheltenham Thursday<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> steps into its reign. The third day of the Festival delivers on the first-rate racing action and participation of outstanding runners, skilled jockeys, and some of the best trainers in the world of National Hunt horse racing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article you will find all the information on what to expect on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, what races are held on this day, and review in detail its race cards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is Cheltenham Day 3?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b>Cheltenham Day 3<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically falls on a Thursday and is the third day of the Cheltenham Festival. Continuing the breathtaking action on the tracks, it hosts a number of highly anticipated races, including several competitive handicaps and not one but two prestigious championship races, namely the Stayers\u2019 Hurdle Race and the Festival Trophy (the Ryanair Chase).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known also as St. Patrick\u2019s Thursday, this day celebrates all things Irish on and off the tracks, and you can feel a very special cheer in the air. Oftentimes, Irish racing fans appear on the rafts in green and\u00a0 gold attire to support the Irish spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>New customers can check the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"496\"><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/lobby\/promotions\/sportsbook\/welcome-boosted-odds-offer-cheltenham-festival-2026\">Cheltenham Welcome Offer at 7bet<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham Thursday Races &amp; Runners<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following are the races that will be conducted on Thursday, 12 March. Below you can find Cheltenham Day 3 runners for all the racess.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Ryanair Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Dawn Run Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle is a Grade 2 National Hunt hurdle race that accepts fillies and mares aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 1 furlong (2 miles and 179 yards, or 3,382 metres) and includes 8 hurdles to be jumped. It was introduced to the Cheltenham Festival in 2016 and accepts novice hurdlers. You can also check the <a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/mares-hurdle-odds-betting-markets-latest-prices\/\">Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle odds<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Ryanair Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Al Fonce (age 5, jockey Jordan Gainford, trainer Noel &amp; Amanda Zetterholm)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amen Kate (age 6, jockey Jack Kennedy, trainer Thomas Cooper)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bambino Fever (age 6, jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Velvet (age 6, jockey Sean O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carrigmoornaspruce (age 6, jockey James Bowen, trainer Declan Queally)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chosen Comrade (age 5, jockey Sam Ewing, trainer Peter Fahey)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diamond Du Berlais (age 5, jockey Patrick Mullins, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Echoing Silence (age 6, jockey Darragh O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Henry De Bromhead)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full Of Life (age 7, jockey Mike O\u2019Connor, trainer Henry De Bromhead)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Future Prospect (age 6, jockey Harry Cobden, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jackie Hobbs (age 6, jockey Paul O\u2019Brien, trainer Harry Derham)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kingston Queen (age 6, jockey Jack Tudor, trainer David Pipe)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Conquiere (age 7, jockey Gavin Sheehan, trainer Jamie Snowden)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Louve d\u2019Irlande (age 5, jockey Conor Stone-Walsh, trainer Paul Nolan)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oldschool Outlaw (age 6, jockey Mark Walsh, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place De La Nation (age 5, jockey Danny Gilligan, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scavengers Reign (age 6, jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, trainer James Owen)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St Irene (age 6, jockey Jack Quinlan, trainer Nick Scholfield)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White Noise (age 6, jockey Thomas Bellamy, trainer Kim Bailey &amp; Mat Nicholls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charme De Faust (age 4, jockey Danny Mullins, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manganese (age 4, jockey David Bass, trainer Max Comley)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mille Et Une Vies (age 4, jockey Harry Skelton, trainer Dan Skelton)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/lobby\/promotions\/sportsbook\/welcome-boosted-odds-offer-cheltenham-festival-2026\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20839 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-festival-betting-banner.jpg\" alt=\"Cheltenham festival betting banner\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-festival-betting-banner.jpg 600w, https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-festival-betting-banner-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Jack Richards Novices\u2019 Limited Handicap Chase<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Golden Miller Novices\u2019 Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt limited handicap chase that accepts both male and female horses aged five years or older. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 1\/2 furlongs (2 miles 4 furlongs and 127 yards, or 4,139 metres) and includes 17 fences to be jumped. Another relatively new addition to the Cheltenham Festival, it was established in 2011.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Jack Richards Novices\u2019 Limited Handicap Chase, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gold Dancer (age 7, jockey Anna McGuinness, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sixmilebridge (age 7, jockey Kielan Woods, trainer Fergal O\u2019Brien)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slade Steel (age 8, jockey Darragh O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Henry De Bromhead)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regent\u2019s Stroll (age 7, jockey Harry Cobden, trainer Paul Nicholls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ol Man Dingle (age 7, jockey Ricky Doyle, trainer Eoin Griffin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King Alexander (age 8, jockey Danny Mullins, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wingmen (age 8, jockey Jack Kennedy, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kiss Will (age 6, jockey James Joseph Slevin, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moon Rocket (age 6, jockey Thomas Bellamy, trainer Kim Bailey &amp; Mat Nicholls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jordans Cross (age 6, jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, trainer Anthony Honeyball)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meetmebythesea (age 6, jockey Ben Jones, trainer Ben Pauling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intense Approach (age 7, jockey Alex Harvey, trainer John McConnell)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stencil (age 5, jockey J J Burke, trainer Noel &amp; Amanda Zetterholm)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Western Knight (age7, jockey Brendan Powell, trainer Joe Tizzard)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old Cowboy (age 6, jockey Freddie Mitchell, trainer Gary &amp; Josh Moore)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bluesman (age 7, jockey Sean Bowen, trainer Olly Murphy)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where\u2019s My Jet (age 7, jockey Sean O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kdeux Saint Fray (age 6, jockey Rex Dingle, trainer Anthony Honeyball)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr Eggman (age 8, jockey John Shinnick, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ben Solo (age 7, jockey Brian Hughes, trainer Rebecca Curtis)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Close Brothers Mares\u2019 Hurdle<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The David Nicholson Mares\u2019 Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race that accepts mares aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs (2 miles, 3 furlongs and 200 yards, or 4,005 metres) and includes 10 hurdles to be jumped. The race\u2019s registered name honours a prominent National Hunt racing persona, David Nicholson, who achieved five victories as a jockey and seventeen as a trainer at the Cheltenham Festival.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Close Brothers Mares\u2019 Hurdle, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dream On Baby (age 6, jockey Donagh Meyler, trainer Emmet Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feet Of A Dancer (age 7, jockey Sean O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Paul Nolan)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jade De Grugy (age 7, jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jetara (age 8, jockey Sam Ewing, trainer Jessica Harrington)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sunset Marquesa (age 7, jockey Brendan Powell, trainer Joe Tizzard)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take No Chances (age 8, jockey Harry Skelton, trainer Dan Skelton)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wodhooh (age 6, jockey Jack Kennedy, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Stayers\u2019 Hurdle<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Stayers\u2019 Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race that accepts both male and female horses aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of about 3 miles (2 miles 7 furlongs and 213 yards, or 4,785 metres) and includes 12 hurdles to be jumped. It proudly carries the title of the leading long-distance hurdle event in Britain\u2019s National Hunt calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Stayers\u2019 Hurdle, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ballyburn (age 8, jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bob Olinger (age 11, jockey Darragh O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Henry De Bromhead)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doddiethegreat (age 10, jockey James Bowen, trainer Nicky Henderson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gwennie May Boy (age 8, jockey Charlie Todd, trainer Christian Williams)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hewick (age 11, jockey Paddy Hanlon, trainer John Joseph Hanlon)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home By The Lee (age 11, jockey James Joseph Slevin, trainer Joseph O\u2019Brien)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honesty Policy (age 6, jockey Mark Walsh, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impose Toi (age 8, jockey Nico de Boinville, trainer Nicky Henderson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kabral Du Mathan (age 6, jockey Harry Skelton, trainer Dan Skelton)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ma Shantou (age 7, jockey Harry Cobden, trainer Emma Lavelle)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teahupoo (age 9, jockey Jack Kennedy, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Ryanair Chase<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Festival Trophy is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase that accepts both male and female horses aged five years or older. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 1\/2 furlongs (2 miles 4 furlongs and 127 yards, or 4,139 metres) and includes 17 fences to be jumped. It was added to the Cheltenham Festival in 2005. You can find <a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/ryanair-chase-odds-betting-guide\/\">Ryanair Chase odds here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Ryanair Chase, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banbridge (age 10, jockey Sean Bowen, trainer Joseph O&#8217;Brien)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Croke Park (age 8, jockey Jack Kennedy, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fact To File (age 9, jockey Mark Walsh, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart Wood (age 8, jockey Darragh O\u2019Keeffe, trainer Henry De Bromhead)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impaire Et Passe (age 8, jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jonbon (age 10, jockey Nico de Boinville, trainer Nicky Henderson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JPR One (age 9, jockey Brendan Powell, trainer Joe Tizzard)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master Chewy (age 9, jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, trainer Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matata (age 8, jockey James Joseph Slevin, trainer Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Pertemps Network Final is a Premier Handicap National Hunt hurdle race that accepts both male and female horses aged five years or older. It is run over a distance of about 3 miles (2 miles 7 furlongs and 213 yards, or 4,785 metres) and includes 12 hurdles to be jumped. To qualify for this race, a horse has to be placed in top four in one of the events from a series of qualifiers conducted within the preceding five months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staffordshire Knot (age 8, jockey Jack Kennedy, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gowel Road (age 10, jockey Toby McCain-Mitchell, trainer Nigel &amp; Willy Twiston-Davies)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric Mason (age 7, jockey Freddie Gordon, trainer Chris Gordon)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ace Of Spades (age 7, jockey Kielan Woods, trainer Dan Skelton)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minella Sixo (age 7, jockey Sam Ewing, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kikijo (age 6, jockey Callum Pritchard, trainer Philip Hobbs &amp; Johnson White)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supremely West (age 8, jockey Harry Skelton, trainer Dan Skelton)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely Doyen (age 6, jockey Harry Cobden, trainer Paul Nicholls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Dirt Road (age 9, jockey Jonjo O\u2019Neill Jr., trainer Jonjo &amp; A J O\u2019Neill)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic King (age 8, jockey Ben Jones, trainer Emma Lavelle)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lavida Adiva (age 7, jockey Brian Hughes, trainer Ruth Jefferson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ikarak (age 8, jockey Sean Bowen, trainer Olly Murphy)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duke Silver (age 6, jockey Hugh Horgan, trainer Joseph O\u2019Brien)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yeah Man (age 9, jockey Conor Stone-Walsh, trainer Gavin Cromwell)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melbourne Shamrock (age 7, jockey Donagh Meyler, trainer Emmet Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Idy Wood (age 8, jockey Gavin Sheehan, trainer Jamie Snowden)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Letos (age 6, jockey Danny Mullins, trainer Anthony Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Champagne Chic (age 6, jockey Lorcan Williams, trainer Jeremy Scott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C&#8217;est Different (age 6, jockey Dylan Johnston, trainer Sam Thomas)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minella Emperor (age 7, jockey Michael O\u2019Neill, trainer Emmet Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bold Endeavour (age 10, jockey James Bowen, trainer Nicky Henderson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Onewaywest (age 7, jockey Elliott England, trainer Ben Pauling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Idem (age 8, jockey Patrick Wadge, trainer Lucinda Russell &amp; Michael Scudamore)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ike Sport (age 8, jockey Conor O\u2019Farrell, trainer Neil Mulholland)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lihyan (age 8, jockey William Maggs, trainer Rebecca Menzies)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turndlightsdownlow (age 6, jockey Freddie Keighley, trainer Martin Keighley)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Kim Muir Challenge Cup<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is a National Hunt steeplechase that accepts both male and female horses aged five years or older. It is run over a distance of about 3 miles and 2 furlongs (5,230 metres) and includes 21 fences to be jumped. It is run for amateur riders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The declared runners for the Kim Muir Challenge Cup, subject to any late non-runners, are as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jeriko Du Reponet (age 7, jockey Derek O\u2019Connor, trainer Nicky Henderson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monbeg Genius (age 10, jockey J L Scallan, trainer Jonjo &amp; A J O\u2019Neill)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Enabler (age 7, jockey Robert James, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurrection (age 9, jockey Gina Andrews, trainer Paul Nicholls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sandor Clegane (age 9, jockey Jack Hendrick, trainer Paul Nolan)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Il Ridoto (age 9, jockey Olive Nicholls, trainer Paul Nicholls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prends Garde A Toi (age 7, jockey Barry O\u2019Neill, trainer Gordon Elliott)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herakles Westwood (age 9, jockey Finian Maguire, trainer Warren Greatrex)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King\u2019s Threshold (age 9, jockey Harry Swan, trainer Emma Lavelle)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weveallbeencaught (age 9, jockey John Barry, trainer Emmet McNamara)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waterford Whispers (age 8, jockey Alan O\u2019Sullivan, trainer Henry De Bromhead)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncle Bert (age 9, jockey Amber Jackson-Fennell, trainer Nigel &amp; Willy Twiston-Davies)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Present (age 9, jockey Barry Stone, trainer Paul Nolan)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olympic Man (age 9, jockey D Doyle, trainer John McConnell)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excello (age 7, jockey Henry Main, trainer Nicky Henderson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glengouly (age 10, jockey Dara McGill, trainer Faye Bramley)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Road To Home (age 7, jockey Patrick Mullins, trainer Willie Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cave Court (age 9, jockey Oran McGill, trainer Noel Kelly)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kim Roque (age 6, jockey John Gleeson, trainer Joseph O\u2019Brien)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gericault Roque (age 10, jockey Brian Lawless, trainer David Pipe)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No Time To Wait (age 8, jockey Joshua Halford, trainer John McConnell)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask Brewster (age 7, jockey Shane Cotter, trainer C Williams)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hung Jury (age 11, jockey James King, trainer Martin Keighley)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lord Accord (age 11, jockey Noel McParlan, trainer Neil Mulholland)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">J\u2019arrive De L\u2019est (age 7, jockey unconfirmed, trainer Emmet Mullins)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hunter Legend (age 9, jockey Lucy Turner, trainer Venetia Williams)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/horse-racing\/uk\/cheltenham\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-20845 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-betting-banner.jpg\" alt=\"Cheltenham betting banner\" width=\"768\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-betting-banner.jpg 768w, https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheltenham-betting-banner-300x83.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>St Patrick\u2019s Thursday Feature Race \u2013 Ryanair Chase<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ryanair Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase that accepts both male and female horses aged five years or older. It is run over a distance of about 2 miles and 4 1\/2 furlongs (2 miles 4 furlongs and 127 yards, or 4,139 metres) and includes 17 fences to be jumped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>St. Patrick\u2019s day race<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is officially registered as the Festival Trophy but is commonly referred to as Ryanair Chase for sponsorship reasons. It was inaugurated in 2005 when the Cheltenham Festival was expanded to include an additional day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The latest winner of the Festival Trophy race is bay gelding Fact To File who was 8 at the time but celebrated his 9th birthday shortly after. After his first win in 2025, Fact To File has already been declared to take part in this year\u2019s race. The race going community is waiting to see if he can score another win and join the ranks of the horses who won the Festival Trophy more than once.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fact To File was trained by Willie Mullins and led on the tracks by jockey Mark Walsh. While for Mark this was his first win at the race, Willie Mullins holds the title of the most successful trainer of the Ryanair Chase with 6 wins to his name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This year the Ryanair Chase is scheduled to start at 4:00 pm on Thursday, 12 March.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, there are 26 runners announced to compete in this year\u2019s race, but this number may change before the day of the race. The jockeys for the race are still awaiting confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham Racecard Thursday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The daily race card for the St. Patrick\u2019s Day of the Cheltenham Festival 2026 is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Thursday, 12 March<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b>Going: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">good to soft<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Time<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Race<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Distance\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Conditions\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">1:20 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE RYANAIR MARES&#8217; NOVICES&#8217; HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (Registered as THE DAWN RUN MARES&#8217; NOVICES&#8217; HURDLE) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Two miles about one furlong\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(2m 179yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4YO+ \u00a3105,000.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:00 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE JACK RICHARDS NOVICES&#8217; LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (Registered as The GOLDEN MILLER) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Two miles about four and a half furlongs\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(2m 4f 127yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5YO+ \u00a3125,000.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">2:40 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE CLOSE BROTHERS MARES&#8217; HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The DAVID NICHOLSON MARES&#8217; HURDLE) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Two miles about four and a half furlongs\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(2m 4f 56yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4YO+ \u00a3125,000.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">3:20 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE PADDY POWER STAYERS&#8217; HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">About three miles\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(2m 7f 213yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4YO+ \u00a3325,000.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:00 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE RYANAIR STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The FESTIVAL TROPHY) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Two miles about four and a half furlongs\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(2m 4f 127yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5YO+ \u00a3375,000.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">4:40 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE PERTEMPS NETWORK FINAL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">About three miles\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(2m 7f 213yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5YO+ \u00a3110,000.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5:20 pm<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">THE ROSCONN GROUP FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR JOCKEYS&#8217; HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE)\u00a0 (CL 2)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">Three miles about two and a half furlongs\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">(3m 2f 70yds)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #ffffff;\">5YO+ \u00a375,000.00 Rating 0-145<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Cheltenham racecard for Thursday<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> includes information that helps the race goers enhance their experience at the tracks and provides bettors with data for an informed decision before <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/betting\/horse-racing\/uk\/cheltenham\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">placing a wager at the Cheltenham races<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Race time:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Every race card includes a schedule with the starting time of each race. This way viewers know when the final runners will be declared and how much time trainers have to announce a non-runner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Horse number:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Numbers attached to the side of the saddle help the horse stay visible to the viewers on the stalls during a fast paced race. They are also helpful for identification when two horses have similar sounding names. Bettors also place bets using these numbers to avoid confusion. However, assignment of the numbers isn\u2019t in any way connected to the odds.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Jockey:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The synergy between the jockey and the horse is one of the essential factors that determines the outcome of the race for each pair. Knowing who will lead the horse on the tracks helps you understand what to expect. It is also useful to browse through the jockey\u2019s recent performance and physical form.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trainer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some trainers have more experience with a certain race or track, which can have a significant influence on the way they prepare the horse for the competition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Weight:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Weight is vital information on a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/cheltenham-2026-racecards-all-festival-days\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">race card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is usually displayed in stones and pounds (for example, 9-7, i.e. 9 stones and 7 pounds) next to the horse\u2019s name. This includes the saddle, equipment, the jockey, and if necessary, the additional weight. Knowing a horse\u2019s weight comes in handy during betting because it bears notable impact on how much the horse can accelerate, how it will perform over long distances or in different ground conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Official rating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While the official rating (OR) reflects the ability level of a horse, it in no way represents how likely it is to win the race. Instead, it is an evaluation of the horse\u2019s previous performance and can change after each race based on how the horse performed. Higher official rating means a better horse. Horses with higher OR are assigned additional weight in correlation of 1 additional pound per 1 OR point.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham Day 3 Runners \u2013 When Are They Announced?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initial announcements for the St. Patrick\u2019s Day races were made in the following chronological order:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ryanair Chase:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> January 6, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stayers\u2019 Hurdle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> January 13, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Close Brothers Mares\u2019 Hurdle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> January 13, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ryanair Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> February 10, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Jack Richards Novices\u2019 Limited Handicap Chase:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> February 17, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> February 17, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kim Muir Challenge Cup:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> February 17, 2026<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For large scale events like the Cheltenham Festival, confirmed runners are declared within 48 hours before the start of each race. Any non-runners are announced on the morning of the race. Normally, this can be done up until 1.5 hours before the race starts but in certain conditions trainers are permitted to pull out their charges even after that, for example due to health issues or changes in ground condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these changes play a significant role in how a race will develop and how the odds will form. That\u2019s why every bettor should check the race cards on the morning of the race before making any bets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Time Do Cheltenham Thursday Races Start?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The current timeline for the <\/span><b>Cheltenham Thursday races<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gate opening:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 10:30 am\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>First race:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1:20 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Headline race:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 4:00 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Last race:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 5:20 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Thursday at Cheltenham Festival \u2013 Atmosphere &amp; Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><b>Thursday at Cheltenham Festival<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> celebrates the Irish presence in every possible way. From the green and gold clad viewers to the name of St. Patrick right in the way the third day of the Festival is usually referred to, the passion fills up every aspect of the race.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The day includes several competitive races, and the tension of the mid-week momentum is almost tangible, as the entire Cheltenham Racecourse is getting ready for the culmination of the event on Friday.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cheltenham Day 3 FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><b>What is Cheltenham Day 3 called?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The third day of the Cheltenham Festival is also known as <\/span><b>St Patrick&#8217;s Thursday<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is dedicated to the Irish presence at the tracks and celebrates the Irish tradition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What races are on Cheltenham Thursday?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheltenham Thursday includes 7 races. These are: Ryanair Mares\u2019 Novices\u2019 Hurdle, Jack Richards Novices\u2019 Limited Handicap Chase, Close Brothers Mares\u2019 Hurdle, Stayers\u2019 Hurdle, Ryanair Chase, Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, and Kim Muir Challenge Cup.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What is the main race on St Patrick\u2019s Thursday?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main race of St. Patrick\u2019s Thursday is the Ryanair Chase, also known as the Festival Trophy. It was included in the Cheltenham Festival schedule in 2005. Another significant race is the Stayer\u2019s Hurdle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What time does Cheltenham Thursday start?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The gates open at 10:30 am on Thursday, 12 March. The first race will start at 1:20 pm, while the last one will begin at 5:20 pm. Be sure to check the start time before the beginning of the event for any changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>When is the Cheltenham Thursday racecard released?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initial announcement happens several weeks in advance, usually in January and February. Confirmed runners are declared within the 48 hour window before the start of the race. Trainers announce non-runners on the morning of the race.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #18ae62;\">Betting is only available to participants aged 18 years and over. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org<\/span><\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As the Cheltenham Festival keeps unfolding on the tracks at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham Thursday steps into its reign. The third<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":20858,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[464],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horse-racing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Cheltenham Day 3 \u2013 St Patrick\u2019s Thursday Races &amp; Racecard<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore Cheltenham Day 3 \u2013 St Patrick\u2019s Thursday races, full racecard, runners and key timings for Thursday\u2019s Festival action\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/7bet.co.uk\/blog\/cheltenham-day-3-thursday-st-patricks-thursday-races-racecard\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cheltenham Day 3 \u2013 St Patrick\u2019s Thursday Races &amp; 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