Cheltenham Festival Day 3

Cheltenham Festival 2025 stands as a premier event in the National Hunt racing calendar, drawing thousands of racing enthusiasts and punters to Prestbury Park. Day 3, known as St Patrick’s Thursday, takes place on Thursday, 13 March 2025, delivering a mix of elite racing and Irish-inspired celebrations. The day features top-class contests, including the Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, both attracting the best horses, trainers, and jockeys.

For those looking to place bets, a deep understanding of the race schedule, form trends, and market movements is crucial. Each race presents unique challenges, from fiercely competitive handicaps to top-tier Grade 1 contests. A breakdown of the 2025 race card, start times, and expert betting insights provides valuable guidance for those aiming to make informed wagers.

Race Schedule and Expert Analysis

Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) – 13:20

The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle opens the day’s action, featuring novice mares competing over 2 miles and 1 furlong. Traditionally, this race has been dominated by leading Irish trainers, particularly those known for producing high-quality young hurdlers. Horses with strong form in preparatory races tend to perform well, and identifying runners with course experience can be beneficial for betting strategies.

13.20 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 13.20 NAP – Sixandahalf
• Cheltenham 13.20 NB – Maughreen
• Cheltenham 13.20 Long Shot – Venusienne

Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase – 14:00

A new addition to the festival lineup, the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase replaces a previous Grade 1 contest, focusing instead on handicapped novice chasers. The race covers 2 miles and 4½ furlongs, providing an opportunity for up-and-coming chasers to prove themselves. Betting on horses that have shown progressive form throughout the season is a key strategy, as many of these contenders continue to improve with experience.

14.00 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 14.00 NAP – Nurburgring
• Cheltenham 14.00 NB – Firefox
• Cheltenham 14.00 Long Shot – Jordans

Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap) – 14:40

The Pertemps Final is the culmination of a season-long series of qualifiers, drawing a large and competitive field. The race is run over 3 miles, favouring horses with proven stamina and consistency. Given the nature of the race, each-way betting often proves valuable, as past results indicate a mix of favourites and outsiders finishing in the places.

14.40 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 14.50 NAP – The Wallpark
• Cheltenham 14.50 NB – Jeriko Du Reponet
• Cheltenham 14.50 Long Shot – Catch Him Darry

Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) – 15:20

The Ryanair Chase, a Grade 1 contest over 2 miles and 5 furlongs, is one of the highlights of Cheltenham Day 3. This race suits horses that excel at middle distances, combining speed, jumping ability, and tactical awareness. Previous winners often enter the race in strong form, having competed in similar top-class chases earlier in the season. The presence of established stars and emerging talents makes this a fascinating contest for both fans and bettors.

15.20 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 15.20 NAP – Il Est Francais
• Cheltenham 15.20 NB – Jeriko Du Reponet
• Cheltenham 15.20 Long Shot – Banbrdige

Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – 16:00

The Stayers’ Hurdle stands as the feature race of Cheltenham Day 3, determining the season’s best long-distance hurdler over 3 miles. Horses with a proven ability to handle Cheltenham’s stiff finish often hold an advantage, as stamina and toughness are critical. Returning champions and seasoned contenders typically dominate the betting markets, though the race has produced shock winners in the past, making it an intriguing betting proposition.

16.00 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 16.00 NAP – Teahupoo
• Cheltenham 16.00 NB – Lucky Place
• Cheltenham 16.00 Long Shot – Mystical Power

TrustATrader Plate (Premier Handicap) – 16:40

The TrustATrader Plate is a 2 miles and 4½ furlongs handicap chase that frequently produces highly competitive finishes. Horses with solid handicap form and those trained by yards with a strong track record in this race are worth considering. Past renewals have seen horses defy the odds, making this a race where outsiders often outperform market expectations.

16.40 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 16.40 NAP – Jagwar
• Cheltenham 16.40 NB – Crebilly
• Cheltenham 16.40 Long Shot – Firefox

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup – 17:20

The Kim Muir Challenge Cup is a 3 miles and 2 furlongs handicap chase restricted to amateur riders. The race provides a unique challenge, as rider experience plays a crucial role in a horse’s performance. Horses with proven stamina, solid jumping ability, and experienced amateur jockeys tend to perform best. Given the extended trip, backing horses with a strong staying record is often a smart approach.

17.20 Cheltenham Tips

• Cheltenham 17.20 NAP – Sa Majeste
• Cheltenham 17.20 NB – Now Is The Hour
• Cheltenham 17.20 Long Shot – Mint Boy

Betting Strategies for Cheltenham Festival Day 3

Each-Way Betting

Many of the handicap races on Day 3 feature large fields, making each-way bets a valuable strategy. Horses that have demonstrated consistent performances in similar conditions can offer good returns even if they do not win outright.

Trainer and Jockey Records

Certain trainers excel on St Patrick’s Thursday, with particular success in specific races. Irish trainers often perform well, particularly in novice hurdles and staying contests. Monitoring jockey bookings can also provide clues, as top riders are often assigned to stable stars.

Ground Conditions

The state of the ground plays a vital role in race outcomes. Horses with form on soft or heavy ground may hold an advantage if conditions deteriorate, while good ground specialists should be considered if the weather remains dry.

Market Movements

Late market shifts often indicate strong confidence from connections. Watching for significant betting moves in the hours leading up to the race can highlight horses expected to perform well.

FAQs About Cheltenham Festival Day 3

How can I place bets on Cheltenham Festival races?

Bets can be placed online, through bookmakers, or on-course at Cheltenham Racecourse. Many online platforms offer enhanced odds, free bets, and live streaming.

What is the significance of St Patrick’s Thursday?

St Patrick’s Thursday celebrates the Irish influence in horse racing, with many top Irish trainers and jockeys featuring prominently in the day’s races. The atmosphere at Cheltenham reflects strong Irish support, making it one of the most vibrant days of the festival.

Have there been changes to the race schedule in 2025?

Yes, the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle has been moved to the first race of the day, while the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase has been introduced, replacing a previous Grade 1 novice chase.

What time does the first race start on Day 3?

The first race on Thursday, 13 March 2025, starts at 13:20.

Where can I watch the Cheltenham Festival?

Cheltenham Festival is broadcast live on television and through various online streaming services. Many betting sites offer live streaming for users with active accounts.

How can I get to Cheltenham Racecourse?

Cheltenham Racecourse is accessible via car, train, and coach services. Parking is available on-site, while Cheltenham Spa railway station offers train services with shuttle buses running to the racecourse.

Summary

Cheltenham Festival 2025 Day 3 features a thrilling lineup of Grade 1 contests, competitive handicaps, and novice events, making it one of the most exciting days in the National Hunt calendar. The Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle take centre stage, attracting elite runners from the UK and Ireland. Punters should focus on form trends, trainer records, and market movements to make informed betting decisions. Whether backing favourites or finding value in each-way selections, St Patrick’s Thursday promises high-quality racing and excellent wagering opportunities.