Cheltenham Festival day 3: Tips, odds, races, results and weather for Thursday

The Cheltenham Festival rolls on into its third day on Thursday after two spellbinding days of action on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Day three’s has twin main events, the Paddy power Stayers’ Hurdle (4.00) and the Ryanair Chase (3.20), both of which this year have drawn top-class fields.

Last year’s winner Teahupoo is favourite to defend his crown in the Stayers’, while one-time Gold Cup favourite Fact To File heads the market for the Ryanair.

Looking for the latest Cheltenham betting offers? Our comprehensive list contains all leading bookmakers.

Cheltenham Festival day 3 tips and results

1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

• Air of Entitlement (Henry De Bromhead) 16/1

• Sixandahalf (Gavin Cromwell) 85-40F

• Diva Luna (Ben Pauling) 12/1

• Karoline Banbou (Willie Mullins) 10/1

2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2)

2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3)

• Doddiethegreat 25/1

• Jeriko Du Reponet 11/2

• Catch Him Derry 14/1

• Feet Of A Dancer 15/2

• One Big Bang 14/1

3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

• Fact To File (Willie Mullins) 6/4F

• Heart Wood (Henry De Bromhead) 18/1

• Envoi Allen (Henry De Bromhead) 12/1

4.00: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

• Bob Olinger (Henry De Bromhead) 8/1

• Teahupoo (Gordon Elliott) 7/4F

• The Wallpark (Gordon Elliott) 7/1

4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

• Jagwar (Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero) 3/1F

• Thecompanyseargent (Gavin Cromwell) 4/1

• Masaccio (Alan King) 11/1

• Mars Harper (Gordon Elliott) 100/1

5.20: JRL Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Listed)

Marcus Armytage: Walking On Air. Came to win a big Doncaster handicap last time out only to fall at last. If he is over it he has an outstanding chance.

Charlie Brooks: Johnnywho. You need the right jockey on your side in the amateur races, and there is no better that Derek O’Connor. Owner and trainer also know how to get one for the festival.

Marlborough: Wiseguy. Lightly raced 9yo who won under hands and heels at Newbury and could be about to put in a career best.

Cheltenham Festival day 3 ground and weather

Yesterday’s surprise snow did little to affect ground conditions at Cheltenham, with the going today still listed as good to soft as the meeting switches to the new course. The weather in Cheltenham will be overcast for much of the morning with some sunny spells coming later in the afternoon, as well as the possibility of a few showers. Highs of 7C.

Betting on Cheltenham?

There’s a lot of competition between bookmakers for customers during the festival and they will often run their best promotions of the year, especially earlier in the week. Take a look at these Cheltenham betting offers to find free bets to use throughout the week.

How to watch Cheltenham Festival day 3

ITV will show the first six races of the day on ITV1 on free-to-air television and via its streaming platform ITVX. For full coverage of all seven races, you need a Racing TV subscription.

Betting on the Cheltenham Festival? Find our best Cheltenham free bets and Cheltenham betting offers to take advantage of between March 11 and March 14, 2025.