Last Updated on 09/05/2026 by Andy Clark
Ciaran Murphy is a seasoned horse racing analyst with a keen eye on the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets. A passionate follower of National Hunt racing, he has spent years studying trends, form, and betting strategies to uncover value in novice hurdles, chases, and Championship races. Known for combining insightful analysis with practical betting advice, Ciaran provides readers with expert previews, tips, and market commentary to give them an edge ahead of every Cheltenham Festival.
Thursday 12th March is St Patrick’s Thursday at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival — traditionally the most Irish-flavoured day of the week and one of the strongest cards of the meeting, read on for our Cheltenham day 3 tips from the ante-post markets.
The seven races include the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, the Ryanair Chase — now the 4.00pm feature — the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle and the Pertemps Network Final. Our tipster Ciaran Murphy has covered every race with full ante-post analysis.
For the historical stats underpinning each race, see our Cheltenham Day 3 Trends page, which covers trainer records, price patterns, age profiles and horses to avoid for all seven Thursday races. For free bets to back these selections with, see our Cheltenham Festival free bets guide. If you’re betting ante-post, check which bookmakers offer non-runner no bet protection before placing — Betfred offer NRNB on all 28 Festival races as standard.
Read More: Cheltenham Festival Tips Hub | Cheltenham Day 1 Tips | Cheltenham Day 2 Tips | Cheltenham Day 4 Tips
Cheltenham Day 3 2026 Ante-Post Tips
Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival 2026 is packed with top-class National Hunt action. The day 3 tips below come with a quick preview of each race, combining form analysis, Festival trends and value-hunting at the ante-post stage. My colleague Adam O’Brien covers Day 1 and Day 4 while I take Days 2 and 3.
Read More: Get the Cheltenham Day 3 Trends for every race on Thursday →
1.20pm – The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle | BAMBINO FEVER (2/1) & CARRIGMOORNASPRUCE (16/1)
Tip by Ciaran Murphy | Written 30th January 2026
In general, my approach in Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival contests is to take on short price favourites, and here we have just that in BAMBINO FEVER (2/1). In doing so, I try to pick holes in form or profile, and when doing that in this case, I came up empty-handed. Amazingly, while Willie had the first 5 winners of the race, he has come up empty in the last 5 renewals.
However, that may change this year with this star mare who carried all before her in winning all 4 bumper starts last year, including the main events at Cheltenham and Punchestown. She was beaten first time out, which can be forgiven against a race fit Oldschool Outlaw who was subsequently bought by JP and who will reoppose here, but I would be confident those places would be reversed here. The stiff test of the new course will suit this point-to-point winner, and apart from a shortish price, there really are no negatives that I can see.
If you are looking for some each-way value (and who isn’t when it comes to the Festival), I like the angle of mares reverting to this race after taking on geldings in Grade 1 company, and CARRIGMOORNASPRUCE (16/1) fits the bill. 2nd last time out in the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle at Christmas, she seems to have improved for hurdles for up and coming trainer Declan Queally. She runs in the Grade 1 2m hurdle at The Dublin Racing Festival, and another respectable run could see her shortened even further for this contest.
2.00pm – The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase | SLADE STEEL (16/1)
Tip by Ciaran Murphy | Written 30th January 2026
The old Turners Novices’ Chase is this year being run for the second time as a handicap. At the head of the market is Regents Stroll, although I wonder how much of that is on merit rather than similarity in profile and connections to last year’s winner. That being said, he has always been highly thought of, with Harry Cobden outlining him as one of the only horses in the stable with Grade 1 potential. He also ran a huge race in the Grade 1 Mersey at Aintree, losing nothing in defeat by being outstayed in the dying strides by Honesty Policy (now just 4/1 for the Stayers’ Hurdle but more of that later). He is certainly not dismissed off 145.
But if getting a Grade 1 runner-up at 145 seems generous, what about a Cheltenham Grade 1 winning hurdler off a similar mark? There is no doubt that SLADE STEEL (16/1) hasn’t reached the lofty heights expected of him after his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle win in 2024, but I think we can forgive him for an injury-affected campaign last year. Incredibly, yet to get off the mark over fences, this has left him on an attractive Irish mark of just 143. He was beaten last time out over 3m, and Darragh O’Keefe suggested on the Road to Cheltenham that he has been running a bit keen over 3m and mentioned this race as a potential target. My opinion is that the mid-range trip on the more stamina-demanding new course should be ideal for him, and were this race to be confirmed as the target, there wouldn’t be many firms offering double-figure prices in my view.
2.40pm – The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle | WODHOOH (13/8)
Tip by Ciaran Murphy | Written 30th January 2026
The Lossiemouth factor makes this a tricky race to assess at this stage. The three-time Festival-winning mare is basically unopposable were she to turn up, something that was looking extremely likely before the unfortunate injury to Sir Gino. Even now, when the ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle, some think she is likely to run here. Personally, I think she will win at the Dublin Racing Festival and surely at that stage, even Switch Swicci can contemplate not taking up that engagement.
Similarly, Brighterdaysahead would likely be the favourite were she to turn up, but again, her participation is unsure, with a potential Champion Hurdle bid on the cards. Her Cheltenham form is however, open to question in either case.
One mare we know is going to turn up is the extremely likeable WODHOOH (13/8). A winner of 9 out of 10 hurdle starts, she has all the attributes you would want in this contest, which this year switches to the new course, which favours stamina over speed. Having won the Martin Pipe over course and distance, again, there really are no holes in the case for her being the likely winner in Lossiemouth’s possible absence.
3.20pm – The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle | HOME BY THE LEE (40/1)
Tip by Ciaran Murphy | Written 30th January 2026
At one stage this year, there was an argument that this was one of the most open Grade 1s of the Festival, with a couple of noteworthy new contenders throwing their hat in the ring. But the likes of Ballyburn and The Yellow Clay have given way to old favourites Teahupoo and Bob Olinger, who finished 1-2 in the main trial at the Christmas meeting at Leopardstown. The former is arguably better than ever and was extremely impressive in that race, while the accepted narrative is that Bob Olinger is being trained with one day in mind and in that case, you would be very happy with that run. He is also an absolute course specialist, unbeaten in 4 runs at the track.
Honesty Policy is the last man standing of the young pretenders, and while I think he has huge upside, he is short enough for what he has achieved, and the form of his last run is now open to huge scrutiny. Ma Shantou was impressive in winning the Cleeve Hurdle, but I find it hard to see him win this race, having been beaten by 25 lengths in the Albert Bartlett last year and starting this season rated just 129.
I’m going to take a huge flyer here and hope that HOME BY THE LEE (40/1) is on a going day. At 11 years old, age is certainly against him, but this race has thrown up 2 10+ year old winners in the last 3 years. This would be his 5th attempt at the race, and each time, he has run well but ultimately came up short. There is a picture of this lad beside enigmatic in the dictionary, and if this turns into a stamina test, there won’t be many coming up the hill stronger and at a wild price, I’m willing to buy a lottery ticket.
4.00pm – The Ryanair Chase | JONBON (8/1)
Tip by Ciaran Murphy | Written 30th January 2026
This is one of the more intriguing betting races of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, with a short price favourite in Fact to File, followed by several horses that, in all probability, are going to have other targets. Again, with favourites this short (even money with some firms), all the boxes need to be ticked and despite his absolute route in this race last year, his flop in the King George (while easily forgiven if just hating the track) is an obvious cause for concern.
His biggest challenge may come from another JP contender. JONBON (8/1) must go down as one of the best horses to never win at the Festival, never coming out of the first 2 in 26 starts and winning over £1.5 million in prize money. His attitude and willingness to win simply cannot be questioned, and I think he should have been running over this intermediate trip far sooner than now. It was stamina that won the Clarence House for him, and yet, winning Grade 1s over 2m means that speed is certainly not going to be an issue. Despite talk of the Ascot Chase, I would love to see him come here fresh, and if there is any justice, he will finally get his much-deserved Festival win.
4.40pm – The Pertemps Network Final | ELECTRIC MASON (12/1)
Tip by Brian Healy | Written 28th February 2026
ELECTRIC MASON (12/1) might be the answer to a typically competitive and tricky puzzle to solve, and Chris Gordon’s charge has shown improved form since stepping up in trip for recent outings.
A dual-winner last term, he finished mid-division in the Martin Pipe behind the classy Wodhooh and ended his campaign with a fair run at Sandown without seriously threatening. The Sandmason gelding has been stepped up to three miles this term, and he’s improved his form greatly for the increased emphasis on stamina.
Runner-up here in October on his seasonal reappearance in a qualifier for this race, he went one better at Haydock the following month when gaining a narrow verdict over Hartington, jumping and travelling well and showing a good attitude to land the spoils.
That Haydock contest has thrown up several subsequent winners, including a Grade Two scorer, and a 7lbs rise for that Haydock win might not prove insurmountable given he remains open to further improvement as an unexposed stayer.
There may be a slight worry over his fitness as he hasn’t been seen out since that Haydock victory, but his record fresh after breaks of more than 90 days is 3122, so lack of a run might not prove too much of an obstacle to his chances despite trends which suggest otherwise. All but one winner of this race in the past dozen years has had a run within the past two months, but the seven-year-old could well be up to the task of bucking that trend.
5.20pm – The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup | J’ARRIVE DE L’EST (12/1)
Tip by Brian Healy | Written 28th February 2026
Switching to a more conventional track could see J’ARRIVE DE L’EST (12/1) gain a first victory since his move from France to Emmet Mullins, and the It’s Gino gelding can land this prize if targeting this over the Cross Country Chase.
A four-time winner over fences in France before his switch to the shrewd Irish handler, the seven-year-old has contested the Cross Country here at both the December and January fixtures, where he’s finished runner-up both times.
His most recent effort saw him beaten eight lengths by Favori De Champdou, where he received 23lbs, and there’s no obvious reason why he’d turn the tables with Gordon Elliott’s rival if the pair were to rematch here. Add in the likes of defending champion Stumptown and cross-country veterans such as Vanillier and The Goffer, then connections might be swayed to Thursday’s Festival closer as a more likely target where he could exploit a potentially lenient mark.
Betting trends over the past few days seem to point to Emmet Mullins’ charge indeed swerving Wednesday’s contest in favour of this race, and if he does, then he could well go close under a relatively small weight burden.
Cheltenham Day 3 2026 Race Schedule
The racing gets underway at 1.20pm on Thursday 12th March, running through until the early evening.
| Time | Race | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.20pm | The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 1f | Hurdle |
| 2.00pm | The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase | 2m 4f | Chase |
| 2.40pm | The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m 4f | Hurdle |
| 3.20pm | The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) | 3m 2f | Hurdle |
| 4.00pm | The Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) | 2m 5f | Chase |
| 4.40pm | The Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap) | 3m | Hurdle |
| 5.20pm | The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders’) | 3m 2f | Chase |
Cheltenham Day 3 Free Bet Offers
The bookmakers will be competing hard for your business on St Patrick’s Thursday. We always scour the market for the best odds, and you’ll find our most trusted bookmakers below.
If you already have accounts with the main bookmakers, our Cheltenham existing customer offers guide has the Day 3 price boosts, extra places and daily specials. For non-runner protection on your ante-post bets, see our non-runner no bet guide. The Pertemps Final is a large-field handicap where extra places from bookmakers can add real each-way value — worth checking before you bet.
Don’t forget BoyleSports are also running their Money Back on the First Race Every Day promotion — if your selection in the 1.20pm Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle loses, you get your stake back as a free bet up to £10. See the BoyleSports Cheltenham page for full details.
Cheltenham Day 3 Trends
For the full historical stats covering all seven St Patrick’s Thursday races — trainer records, price patterns, age profiles and horses to avoid — see our dedicated Cheltenham Day 3 Trends page.
Key patterns to be aware of for Thursday:
- The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle has been dominated by Willie Mullins — he trained the first five winners of the race, and his runners always command respect regardless of price
- The Stayers’ Hurdle has a strong record for horses proven over the trip at Grade 1 level — course specialists with multiple Cheltenham runs hold an excellent record
- The Ryanair Chase regularly sees the market leader deliver — it has a better record for favourites than almost any other race at the Festival
- The Pertemps Final is one of the week’s most open handicaps — qualifiers from the series’ satellite races hold a strong record and are always worth noting
- The Kim Muir has a strong record for Irish-trained horses and those with previous Cheltenham form
Full trends, trainer stats and horses-to-avoid analysis for every race: Cheltenham Day 3 Trends →
What Are Other Pundits Predicting for Cheltenham Day 3?
As well as our own tips, there’s a wealth of horse racing expertise out there to make the most of. Legends like Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy will be having their say on ITV Racing, while popular pundits including Matt Chapman and Kevin Blake are among the best for their Festival predictions. You’ll find them all with their latest picks on our Cheltenham pundit tips page.
Full Day 3 selections from Ruby Walsh, Matt Chapman, Mick Fitzgerald, Tom Segal and Kevin Blake as they are published.
Cheltenham Day 3 2026 FAQs
What races are on at Cheltenham on Thursday?
Day 3 — St Patrick’s Thursday — features seven races: the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm), the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2.00pm), the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (2.40pm), the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3.20pm), the Ryanair Chase (4.00pm), the Pertemps Network Final (4.40pm) and the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (5.20pm).
What is the feature race on Cheltenham Day 3?
The Ryanair Chase at 4.00pm is the headline race on Thursday. Run over two miles five furlongs, it is one of the five Championship races at the Festival and the premier intermediate-distance chase of the season. Fact to File is the current market leader for the 2026 renewal.
What is the Stayers’ Hurdle?
The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 run over three miles two furlongs — the longest hurdle race of the Festival. It is the championship contest for the best staying hurdlers in training and has a strong record for horses with previous winning form at the trip at the highest level. Teahupoo and Bob Olinger head the 2026 market after their 1-2 at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.
What is the Pertemps Final?
The Pertemps Network Final is a premier handicap hurdle run over three miles, open only to horses who have qualified through a series of satellite races at tracks across the UK throughout the season. It regularly attracts a large field and is one of the most competitive handicaps of the week. Each-way value at bigger prices is common, and extra place offers from bookmakers are worth using.
What is the Kim Muir?
The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is a three-mile handicap chase restricted to amateur riders. It is the final race of St Patrick’s Thursday and a fascinating contest for those who enjoy following amateur jockeys. Irish-trained horses and those with previous Cheltenham form hold a strong record.
Which trainers have the best record on Cheltenham Day 3?
Willie Mullins dominates the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and is always a major force in the Stayers’ Hurdle and Mares’ Hurdle. Gordon Elliott is strong across all three Grade 1 novice and championship races. For the handicaps — the Pertemps and Kim Muir — the field opens up considerably, making them better each-way propositions with trainers from both sides of the Irish Sea regularly winning.
Are free bets available for Cheltenham Day 3?
Yes — our Cheltenham free bets guide covers every new customer offer for the 2026 Festival. BoyleSports also run their Money Back on the First Race promotion on Day 3 — if your selection in the 1.20pm loses, you get your stake back as a free bet up to £10. For existing customers, our Day 3 offers page has the daily price boosts and specials.
Should I use non-runner no bet for Day 3 ante-post bets?
Yes, particularly for the Mares’ Hurdle and Stayers’ Hurdle where the fields are still taking shape and horses like Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead have uncertain targets. NRNB protection means your stake is returned if your selection doesn’t line up. See our non-runner no bet guide for which bookmakers to use.
More Cheltenham 2026 Tips
Cheltenham Festival Tips Hub – Overview of all 28 races across all four days.
Cheltenham Day 1 Tips – Champion Day preview including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle and Champion Hurdle.
Cheltenham Day 2 Tips – Ladies Day preview including the BetMGM Champion Chase, Brown Advisory and Champion Bumper.
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips – Gold Cup Day preview including the Triumph Hurdle, County Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Day 3 Trends – Full historical stats for all seven St Patrick’s Thursday races.
Cheltenham Free Bets – Every new customer offer for the 2026 Festival.
Cheltenham Existing Customer Offers – Day 3 price boosts and daily specials for existing customers.
Non-Runner No Bet Guide – Which bookmakers protect your ante-post bets if your horse doesn’t run.
Cheltenham Extra Places – Which firms are paying extra places on the Pertemps and other Day 3 races.
Ruby Walsh Cheltenham Tips – Festival selections from one of the greatest Festival jockeys of all time.
Mick Fitzgerald Cheltenham Tips – ITV Racing analysis across all four days.
Tom Segal Cheltenham Tips – Pricewise ante-post selections.
Odds correct at time of writing. Prices will move — always check current quotes before betting. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Full terms apply to all free bet offers.