What’s happening on St Patrick’s Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival?

• The third day of the Cheltenham Festival, known as St Patrick’s Thursday, is set to take place on Thursday afternoon.
• The action will begin at 1.20pm GMT with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
• That will be followed by the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at 2pm, the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at 2.40pm and the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at 3.20pm.
• The Ryanair Chase promises to be a thrilling race at 4pm, with Fact To File going for glory.
• Thursday’s action will conclude with the Pertemps Network Final at 4.40pm, followed by the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase at 5.20pm.

IN FULL

Cheltenham Festival 2026 race card, start times and full four-day schedule