Cheltenham Day 3 Tips 2026
- Horse Racing
- Greyhounds
Cheltenham Day 3 Tips: Thursday 12th March 2026
Welcome to St Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival. Day 3 traditionally sees the Irish dominance hit fever pitch, and this year's 7-race card is headlined by two spectacular Grade 1s: the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase. The ground is currently Good to Soft (Watered), ensuring fair jumping conditions across the New Course.
Our racing experts have analysed the form, the trends, and the tipster consensus to bring you a comprehensive race-by-race guide for Thursday's action.
Thursday's Cheat Sheet:
| Category | Selection | Race |
|---|---|---|
| NAP of the Day | Fact To File | 16:00 Ryanair Chase |
| Next Best (NB) | Teahupoo | 15:20 Stayers' Hurdle |
| Best Each-Way | Kdeux Saint Fray |
14:00 Jack Richards Novices' Chase |
| Best Value | Oldschool Outlaw | 13:20 Mares' Novices' Hurdle |
Cheltenham Day 3: Thursday's Top Tipped Horses
We have aggregated the data from across the industry's leading tipsters to find the strongest consensus picks for Day 3 of the Festival. Unsurprisingly, the top of the market is dominated by the big Irish yards.
| Horse | Race Time | Total Tips | Why they are popular |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fact To File | 16:00 Ryanair Chase | 9 | Highest rated in the field and looks a formidable prospect for Willie Mullins. |
| Teahupoo | 15:20 Stayers' Hurdle | 8 | Defending champion who sets a massive standard in the staying division. |
| Wodhooh | 14:40 Mares' Hurdle | 6 | Gordon Elliott's star mare boasts incredible form figures and tactical versatility. |
| Sixmilebridge | 14:00 Jack Richards Novices' Chase | 5 | Fergal O'Brien's runner has been heavily backed and looks well-handicapped. |
| Monbeg Genius | 17:20 Kim Muir | 4 | Classy staying chaser who drops into amateur company off a workable mark. |
Race 1: 13:20 - Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)
Race Details: 2m 1f | 22 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
Day 3 kicks off with the Mares' Novices' Hurdle, which moves to the opening slot for 2026. Willie Mullins has a phenomenal record in this race and saddles the highly-touted Bambino Fever. However, Gordon Elliott's Oldschool Outlaw sets the standard on ratings.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oldschool Outlaw | Gordon Elliott | Mark Walsh | 147 | 105 | 27-111 |
| Bambino Fever | W P Mullins | Paul Townend | 145 | 104 | 11-121 |
| La Conquiere | Jamie Snowden | Gavin Sheehan | 145 | 132 | 22-112 |
| Carrigmoornaspruce | Declan Queally | James Bowen | 144 | 138 | 2-1122 |
Key Trend: Willie Mullins has trained 5 of the last 8 winners of this race.
The Verdict: While Bambino Fever will be popular, Oldschool Outlaw has looked incredibly professional this season. She travels well, jumps slickly, and at the likely prices, she represents fantastic value to turn over the Mullins hotpot.
BettingOdds Tip: Oldschool Outlaw (Each-Way)
Race 1: 13:20 - Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)
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Race 2: 14:00 - Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
Race Details: 2m 4f | 20 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
This 2m 4f novices' handicap replaced the Turners Novices' Chase in 2025 and is already a fiercely competitive betting heat. Fergal O'Brien's Sixmilebridge tops the ratings, but Anthony Honeyball's Kdeux Saint Fray looks incredibly well-treated.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixmilebridge | Fergal O'Brien | Kielan Woods | 161 | 147 | D19-111 |
| The Bluesman | Olly Murphy | Sean Bowen | 159 | 137 | 13-121 |
| Western Knight | Joe Tizzard | Brendan Powell | 158 | 127 | 8-4112 |
| Kdeux Saint Fray | Anthony Honeyball | Rex Dingle | 157 | 146 | -F1243 |
Key Trend: 8 of the last 10 winners of equivalent Festival novice handicaps carried under 11st 4lb.
The Verdict: Kdeux Saint Fray has caught the eye on several occasions this season without getting his head in front. The Honeyball yard excels in these mid-range handicap chases, and he has the requisite cruising speed to travel smoothly just behind the leaders.
BettingOdds Tip: Kdeux Saint Fray (Each-Way)
Race 2: 14:00 - Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
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Race 3: 14:40 - Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race Details: 2m 4f | 7 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
Moved from its traditional Tuesday slot, the Mares' Hurdle provides a brilliant clash between Gordon Elliott's Wodhooh and Willie Mullins' Jade De Grugy. It is a select but high-quality field of 7.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wodhooh | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy | 162 | 132 | 112-11 |
| Jade De Grugy | W P Mullins | Paul Townend | 160 | 109 | 2-1321 |
| Jetara | Mrs John Harrington | Sam Ewing | 156 | 137 | 3-3373 |
| Take No Chances | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton | 153 | 136 | 5-6233 |
Key Trend: 9 of the last 10 winners were priced 10/1 or shorter.
The Verdict: Wodhooh was brilliant when winning the Martin Pipe last year and has taken her form to a new level this season. She is tactically versatile, jumps quickly, and should have too much class for Jade De Grugy in the closing stages.
BettingOdds Tip: Wodhooh (Win)
Race 3: 14:40 - Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1)
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Race 4: 15:20 - Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Race Details: 3m | 11 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The championship race for the staying hurdlers sees defending champion Teahupoo bid to retain his crown. He faces a stellar lineup including stablemate Ballyburn and the enigmatic but brilliant Bob Olinger.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teahupoo | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy | 172 | 146 | 22-111 |
| Ballyburn | W P Mullins | Paul Townend | 168 | 134 | 15-223 |
| Bob Olinger | Henry De Bromhead | Darragh O'keeffe | 168 | 140 | /221-2 |
| Home By The Lee | J P O'Brien | J J Slevin | 166 | 133 | UP-641 |
Key Trend: 7 of the last 10 winners had previously won at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Verdict: Teahupoo is the undisputed king of the staying hurdle division. He arrives here fresh, loves the track, and has a rating that puts him clear of his rivals. He should prove incredibly tough to beat.
BettingOdds Tip: Teahupoo (Win)
Race 4: 15:20 - Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)
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Race 5: 16:00 - Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) - FEATURE RACE
Race Details: 2m 4f | 9 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The Ryanair Chase is a spectacular intermediate test. Willie Mullins' Fact To File tops the ratings and looks a monster over this trip. He faces stiff opposition from the classy Banbridge and Nicky Henderson's ever-consistent Jonbon.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fact To File | W P Mullins | Mark Walsh | 181 | 171 | 1-4261 |
| Banbridge | J P O'Brien | Sean Bowen | 178 | 164 | 17-442 |
| Jonbon | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville | 177 | 165 | 2-2211 |
| Impaire Et Passe | W P Mullins | Paul Townend | 172 | 148 | 131-B1 |
Key Trend: 8 of the last 10 winners had run at least 3 times that season.
The Verdict: Fact To File is arguably the most exciting chaser in training. A rating of 181 makes him the standout here, and his cruising speed combined with impeccable jumping makes him the banker of the day for many.
BettingOdds Tip: Fact To File (Win)
Race 5: 16:00 - Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) - FEATURE RACE
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Race 6: 16:40 - Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
Race Details: 3m | 26 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
One of the trickiest puzzles of the week, this 3m handicap requires a horse that stays forever but has the tactical speed to hold a position in a 26-runner field. Dan Skelton's Supremely West and Emma Lavelle's Classic King both boast strong profiles.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kikijo | Philip Hobbs & Johnson White | Callum Pritchard | 155 | 135 | 12-411 |
| Supremely West | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton | 155 | 140 | 3-3546 |
| Classic King | Emma Lavelle | Ben Jones | 154 | 150 | 32-464 |
| C'Est Different | Sam Thomas | Dylan Johnston | 154 | 129 | 711-11 |
Key Trend: 8 of the last 10 winners finished in the top 3 in their Pertemps qualifier.
The Verdict: Classic King looks tailor-made for this test. He caught the eye staying on strongly in his qualifier, runs off a very workable mark, and represents a yard that excels with staying hurdlers.
BettingOdds Tip: Classic King (Each-Way)
Race 6: 16:40 - Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
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Race 7: 17:20 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Race Details: 3m 2f | 26 Runners | Going: Good to Soft
The traditional Day 3 closer is a gruelling 3m 2f handicap for amateur jockeys. Having a top-class amateur on board is half the battle. Jonjo O'Neill's Monbeg Genius drops in class, while David Pipe's Gericault Roque is always dangerous in these staying events.
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Rating | TS | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monbeg Genius | Jonjo & A J O'Neill | Mr J L Scallan | 154 | 145 | P6-P57 |
| Gericault Roque | David Pipe | Mr B Lawless | 154 | 144 | /30-82 |
| Hung Jury | Martin Keighley | Mr James King | 153 | 102 | 4812P0 |
| Uncle Bert | Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies | Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell | 152 | 135 | 59-1F7 |
Key Trend: 7 of the last 10 winners wore headgear (blinkers, cheekpieces, or visor).
The Verdict: Monbeg Genius has contested much stronger races than this over the past two seasons. If the amateur jockey can get him into a rhythm early, he is thrown in on his best form and can outclass this field.
BettingOdds Tip: Monbeg Genius (Each-Way)
Race 7: 17:20 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
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Thursday's Cheltenham Accumulator
For those looking for a bigger return on St Patrick's Thursday, combining the three strongest Grade 1 fancies of the afternoon into a treble is a popular strategy.
| Leg | Time | Horse | Race |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14:40 | Wodhooh | Mares' Hurdle |
| 2 | 15:20 | Teahupoo | Stayers' Hurdle |
| 3 | 16:00 | Fact To File | Ryanair Chase |
Key Cheltenham Course Stats
Following the top course performers can be a profitable angle. We have analysed the data specifically for the trainers and jockeys who have runners today. Instead of just looking at total wins, here are the most lethal strike-rates at Cheltenham among today's participants (minimum 20 course runs).
Top Trainers for Thursday's Runners (by Win Rate):
| Trainer | Course Wins | Total Runs | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | 6 | 30 | 20.0% |
| Lucy Wadham | 7 | 39 | 18.0% |
| Gavin Cromwell | 18 | 104 | 17.3% |
| Henry De Bromhead | 26 | 168 | 15.5% |
Top Jockeys for Thursday's Runners (by Win Rate):
| Jockey | Course Wins | Total Runs | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Townend | 25 | 96 | 26.0% |
| Lorcan Williams | 4 | 22 | 18.2% |
| Nico de Boinville | 30 | 168 | 17.9% |
| Derek Fox | 5 | 30 | 16.7% |
Day 3 Betting Offers
Ensure you are getting the best value on St Patrick's Thursday by taking advantage of the latest bookmaker welcome offers. Whether you are backing Teahupoo in the Stayers' or looking for extra places in the Pertemps Final, our free bets hub has you covered.
Check out our dedicated Cheltenham Festival Free Bets page for the full list of sign-up offers, or view specific brand promotions.
What are the feature races on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival?
Day 3 features two massive Grade 1 contests: the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at 15:20 and the Ryanair Chase at 16:00.
What time does Cheltenham Day 3 start?
The action kicks off at 13:20 with the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, which has been moved to the opening slot for 2026.
Who is the NAP of the day for Thursday at Cheltenham?
Our strongest bet (NAP) for Day 3 is Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase at 16:00.
Where can I find the best Cheltenham Day 3 odds?
You can compare the latest odds for all 7 races on Day 3 right here on BettingOdds.com, ensuring you always get the best price for your selections.
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