The Cheltenham Festival 2026 rolled into its third day on March 12, known across the racing world as St. Patrick’s Thursday, and the energy at Prestbury Park was absolutely electric. With seven races on the card and a host of high-profile trainers, jockeys, and equine stars in the spotlight, the day promised drama, upsets, and moments for the ages. Spectators, both on-site and glued to their screens via ITV1, ITVX, and Racing TV, were treated to a mix of established champions defending their crowns and ambitious newcomers aiming to etch their names in Festival folklore.
The drama kicked off at 1:20 PM with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, a Grade 2 contest that saw plenty of anticipation centered around Bambino Fever. Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, Bambino Fever returned to Cheltenham with high expectations after her Weatherbys Champion Bumper triumph in 2025. However, racing is never predictable. Despite being strongly fancied and the subject of win treble bets from experts, Bambino Fever finished a disappointing 16th, unable to recapture her previous Festival magic. Echoing Silence, another promising mare, finished 10th, while Oldschool Outlaw, recently purchased by JP McManus, was tipped as a danger but didn’t manage to upset the field either. The race reminded everyone that Cheltenham takes no prisoners, regardless of pedigree or past glories.
The action continued with the 2:00 PM Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, where Meetmebythesea, trained by Ben Pauling and partnered with jockey Ben Jones, delivered a standout performance. The six-year-old, carrying 10-13, bounced back from a below-par run at Newbury to claim victory, much to the delight of connections and punters who backed him in the each-way double. Jordans Cross, another fancied runner, finished 8th, while the field’s depth underscored the fierce competition that defines the Festival’s handicaps.
The 2:40 PM Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, a Grade 1 event over 2 miles 4 furlongs, saw the betting market dominated by Wodhooh. Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, the six-year-old mare entered the race with nine wins from ten starts, her only defeat coming at the hands of the formidable Lossiemouth. Wodhooh justified her favoritism, storming home to claim the title and cement her reputation as a top-class hurdler. Her victory was all the more impressive given the withdrawal of Lossiemouth, who instead contested—and won—the Champion Hurdle earlier in the week. Jade De Grugy and Take No Chances put in spirited efforts but couldn’t match Wodhooh’s class. As one tipster put it, “She beat Feet Of A Dancer convincingly at Leopardstown and should confirm that form here.”
As the afternoon unfolded, anticipation built for the marquee events. The 3:20 PM Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, another Grade 1, featured a compelling field: Bob Olinger, last year’s champion with Rachael Blackmore aboard, Kabral Du Mathan, Teahupoo, Ma Shantou, and Honesty Policy. The race was the subject of intense debate among pundits. Ed Chamberlin of Sky Bet tipped Kabral Du Mathan, noting, “It might be the best horse in the Skelton yard, and we know how much power they have got.” Oli Bell, meanwhile, favored Ma Shantou, describing him as “a really progressive stayer” who “has the heart of a lion.” Honesty Policy, trained by Gordon Elliott, was also highlighted as a value bet thanks to his preference for drying ground. While the final result wasn’t confirmed at press time, the buildup and expert opinions added layers of intrigue to the day’s biggest staying hurdle.
The 4:00 PM Ryanair Chase, a Grade 1, was all about Fact To File. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Mark Walsh, the nine-year-old was a warm favorite to defend his crown after a dominant nine-length victory in 2025 and a recent triumph in the Irish Gold Cup. Fact To File’s decision to skip the Gold Cup and target the Ryanair again had fans and pundits buzzing. “He drops back in trip here but travelled so strongly in this last year and his Cheltenham record speaks volumes so he should get the job done comfortably,” one preview noted. Heart Wood, Jonbon, and Impaire Et Passe were considered contenders, but all eyes were on Fact To File to see if he could cement his legacy as a Cheltenham specialist.
Handicappers had their moment in the 4:40 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle. Supremely West, trained by the Skelton team, was the subject of much pre-race chatter. Oli Bell remarked, “All the talk is about Supremely West being supremely handicapped for the Skeltons, and I think he looks thrown in on his form.” However, C’est Different and Ace Of Spades were also mentioned as strong each-way plays, with the former having won four in a row and primed for this Festival target. The open nature of the race made it a minefield for punters but a delight for fans of competitive action.
The day’s final contest, the 5:20 Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockey’s Handicap Chase, saw Nicky Henderson’s Jeriko Du Reponet, ridden by Derek O’Connor, emerge as a key talking point. Described as “plenty talented when things drop right,” Jeriko Du Reponet had the profile of a horse ready to peak at the Festival. Waterford Whispers, another JP McManus runner, and Herakles Westwood, a recent winner at the track, were also mentioned as threats. Ed Chamberlin tipped Kim Roque each way, calling him “one of the bets of the week.”
Throughout the day, the Cheltenham Festival’s unique blend of tradition, unpredictability, and world-class competition was on full display. From the disappointment of fancied runners like Bambino Fever to the triumphs of Meetmebythesea and Wodhooh, St. Patrick’s Thursday delivered the drama that racing fans crave. With the Gold Cup still to come, the Festival’s narrative is far from over, and all eyes remain on Prestbury Park for more unforgettable moments.