Cheltenham Festival Day 3 races include the toughest stayer’s hurdles race in National Hunt racing, the Stayer’s Hurdle. There’s also outstanding emerging talent to be seen in the Ryanair Chase, with a couple of handicaps thrown into the mix. We offer the latest odds, cards, results, tips and betting specials on every race.
Thursday, March 14th, 2024
| Time | Race | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 | The Turners Novices’ Chase | Grade 1 |
| 14:10 | Pertemps Final | Grade 3 |
| 14:50 | Ryanair Chase | Grade 1 |
| 15:30 | Stayers’ Hurdle (World Hurdle) | Grade 1 |
| 16:10 | Plate Handicap Chase | Grade 3 |
| 16:50 | Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle | Grade 2 |
| 17:30 | Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase | Class 2 |
Overview of Day 3 Races
Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, also known as St. Patrick’s Thursday, offers a blend of high-stakes competition and celebration, with races that test the limits of stamina, speed, and strategy. Here’s what the day has in store:
1:30PM: The Turners Novices’ Steeple Chase
- Distance: Two miles about four furlongs (2m 3f 168yds)
- Conditions: Open to horses aged 5 years and older, competing for a prize of £175,000. This Grade 1 race, registered as The Golden Miller, is a crucial test for novice chasers, offering a platform for rising stars to showcase their potential over a challenging distance.
2:10PM: The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Race
- Distance: About three miles (2m 7f 213yds)
- Conditions: A Premier Handicap for horses aged 5 years and above, with a prize fund of £100,000. This race is the culmination of a series of qualifying events, featuring a field of seasoned hurdlers who have proven their mettle to earn a spot in this competitive final.
2:50PM: The Ryanair Steeple Chase
- Distance: Two miles about four and a half furlongs (2m 4f 127yds)
- Conditions: Horses aged 5 and older compete for a generous £375,000 prize in this Grade 1 race, registered as The Festival Trophy. It’s a prestigious middle-distance chase that attracts top-tier talent, offering a thrilling spectacle of jumping and speed.
3:30PM: The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Race
- Distance: About three miles (2m 7f 213yds)
- Conditions: With a prize pool of £325,000, this Grade 1 race is open to horses aged 4 years and older. It’s one of the festival’s most anticipated events, showcasing the best long-distance hurdlers in a grueling test of stamina and determination.
4:10PM: The Paddy Power Plate Handicap Steeple Chase
- Distance: Two miles about four and a half furlongs (2m 4f 127yds)
- Conditions: A Premier Handicap chase for horses aged 5 years and up, competing for £120,000. This race is known for its tightly contested field and the strategic depth required to navigate the course successfully.
4:50PM: The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Race
- Distance: Two miles about one furlong (2m 179yds)
- Conditions: Offering £105,000 in prize money, this Grade 2 race, registered as The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, is exclusively for female novices aged 4 years and older. It’s a platform for emerging talents to shine on a big stage.
5:30PM: The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Steeple Chase
- Distance: Three miles about two furlongs (3m 2f)
- Conditions: With a prize of £75,000, this Class 2 race, sponsored by the JRL Group, is open to horses aged 5 years and older with a rating of 0-145. It’s a test of amateur jockeys’ skill and strategy, closing the day with a challenging handicap chase.
Day 3 at the Cheltenham Festival offers a rich tapestry of races, each with its own story and significance. From the showcase of novice talent in the Turners Chase to the endurance battle of the Stayers’ Hurdle, and the strategic complexity of the handicaps, there’s something for every racing enthusiast to enjoy.
Key Races to Watch on Day 3
Day 3 at the Cheltenham Festival, also celebrated as St. Patrick’s Thursday, brings a series of high-stakes races that are pivotal to both participants and spectators. Among these, a few stand out for their history, the level of competition, and the excitement they generate. Here are the key races to focus on:
The Turners Novices’ Steeple Chase
A highlight for rising stars in the world of chasing, the Turners Novices’ Steeple Chase is a test of agility, speed, and jumping prowess. Covering two miles and about four furlongs, it’s a showcase for novice chasers who could be the leading figures of the sport in the years to come. This race is a critical stepping stone for young talents aiming to etch their names into Cheltenham’s history.
The Ryanair Steeple Chase
Mid-distance chasers take the spotlight in the Ryanair Chase, a Grade 1 race that combines speed with strategic jumping over two miles and about four and a half furlongs. It attracts some of the most skilled chasers in the sport, making it one of the festival’s most anticipated races. The Ryanair Chase is a true test of versatility, where stamina and speed intersect to produce thrilling racing action.
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
The Stayers’ Hurdle is one of the most prestigious long-distance hurdle races in the calendar, drawing top-tier talent to compete over approximately three miles. This race is a grueling test of endurance and resilience, with horses and jockeys needing to pace themselves perfectly to claim victory. It’s a marquee event that often features dramatic finishes and memorable performances, making it a must-watch for any racing fan.
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Closing the day, the Kim Muir Challenge Cup offers a unique spectacle with amateur jockeys in the saddle, competing over three miles and about two furlongs. This race not only tests the skill and strategy of the riders but also highlights the depth of talent in the field, often resulting in closely contested finishes. It’s a celebration of the spirit of national hunt racing, where passion and perseverance shine through.
These key races on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival encapsulate the essence of jump racing, each with its own charm and challenges. From the potential future champions in the Turners Novices’ Chase to the enduring battle of the Stayers’ Hurdle, and the strategic depth of the Ryanair Chase, Day 3 offers a rich tapestry of stories, making it a highlight of the festival for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
