Cheltenham Festival Day 3 - Races + Guide for Thursday 12 March 2026

About Cheltenham Festival Day 3

Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival is affectionately known as “St Patrick’s Thursday”, a celebration of Irish racing success and one of the most competitive days of the week. Irish trainers, jockeys and owners are often to the fore, and the atmosphere around the course reflects the strong Irish presence both on and off the track.

The gates open at 10:30am, allowing racegoers time to enjoy the build-up before the first race at 13:20. As with every day of the Festival, a Preview Show takes place in the Parade Ring before racing begins, offering expert insight into the afternoon’s runners and riders.

Race 1 - Mares' Novices' Hurdle

A Grade 2 contest run over 2 miles 1 furlong on the New Course. This race showcases the most promising novice mares in training and has quickly become an important stepping stone towards future championship honours.

Race 2 - Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase

A competitive handicap chase for novice chasers, run over approximately 2 miles 4 furlongs. With a big field typically lining up, accurate jumping and strong tactical positioning are essential around the undulating New Course.

Race 3 - Mares' Hurdle

A Grade 1 championship contest for mares over 2 miles 4 furlongs. Often attracting high-class performers, it regularly produces a blend of speed and stamina as the field climbs the Cheltenham hill.

Race 4 - Stayers' Hurdle

The feature race of the day and the championship event for long-distance hurdlers. Run over 3 miles, this prestigious Grade 1 is a searching test of stamina, with the famous uphill finish frequently proving decisive.

Race 5 - Ryanair Chase

A top-class Grade 1 chase over 2 miles 4 furlongs. Positioned between the Champion Chase and the Gold Cup in distance, it provides the perfect target for elite chasers who excel at an intermediate trip.

Race 6 - Pertemps Network Final

The final of a season-long qualifying series, this fiercely contested 3-mile handicap hurdle demands stamina and determination. Large fields and strong early pace often set up dramatic finishes.

Race 7 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Commonly referred to as the Kim Muir Handicap Chase, this amateur riders’ contest is run over 3 miles 2 furlongs. A true staying test, it provides a fitting and competitive conclusion to St Patrick’s Thursday.

St Patrick’s Thursday combines championship quality with fiercely competitive handicaps, all set against one of the most celebratory atmospheres of the entire Festival.