The 2025 Cheltenham Festival has thrilled so far and St Patrick's Thursday delivered more drama as the UK’s biggest week of racing continues.
Rachael Blackmore opened her account at the 2025 festival in the first race of the day, the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, timing her charge to perfection to seal victory on Air Of Entitlement and then made it a memorable double as she won the biggest race of the day, the Stayers’ Hurdle, on 8-1 shot Bob Olinger.
Sir Alex Ferguson also got his first winner of the festival as one of the horses he part-owns – Caldwell Potter – took the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, while the Ryanair Chase was won in style by bookmakers favourite Fact To File, who dominated the renewal to triumph at a canter.
Sadly, there was also the first horse death of the 2025 festival as Springwell Bay died after a fall in the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase. In a statement, Cheltenham said: “Springwell Bay was immediately attended to by our veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."
Follow all the news, including previews, expert tips, free bet offers and the latest Cheltenham odds from day three of the Cheltenham Festival with our live blog below:
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Cheltenham Festival latest updates
- The Cheltenham Festival reaches day three, St Patrick’s Thursday - full racecard and results
- Springwell Bay becomes first horse of 2025 Cheltenham Festival to die after fall during second race of the day
- Rachael Blackmore gets first win of the festival on Air Of Entitlement in Mares Novices' Hurdle
- Sir Alex Ferguson also has his first winner with Caldwell Potter in Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
- Fact to File tipped for Gold Cup next year after dominant Ryanair Chase win over Il Est Francais
- Best bets, tips and horses to watch for day three
Galopin Des Champs poised and primed for next act of Cheltenham glory
18:22
,
Mike Jones
What does it mean to make history? To achieve such accomplishments in a lifetime that others are compelled to scribe down your achievements so that future generations know how extraordinary you were.
Most of us don’t come close to such recognition but for a select few there are moments when history comes knocking, when expectation weighs heavily on the shoulders and the spotlight of legacy shines firmly on them. This is the fate that awaits jockey Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs at the Cheltenham Festival this week.
Back-to-back victories in the Gold Cup, in 2023 and 2024, have already secured their place as one of the festival’s magnificent duos. Gone is the need to prove they are winners, that they have mastered the three-mile two-and-a-half-furlong distance and that they know exactly how to tackle the Cheltenham hill with enough energy reserved to leave the competition behind. All that has been done before.
‘£100 a ticket and toilets like a First World War latrine’ – Why are racegoers abandoning Cheltenham Festival?
17:53
,
Mike Jones
Cheltenham Festival is the showpiece event of the jumping season, and one of the few times a year when horse racing breaks into the consciousness of the public outside hardcore fans.
Attendances top 200,000 each year, but since record-breaking numbers descended on Prestbury Park in 2022 for the first post-pandemic edition, the crowds have steadily declined – and this year even more seem set on staying away.
Long-term National Hunt fan Jack Hawthorne is swerving this year’s Festival, and he’s not the only one.
Rachael Blackmore’s ‘magical’ double leads Irish surge on St. Patrick’s Thursday
17:38
,
Mike Jones
Rachael Blackmore ended her 2025 Cheltenham Festival drought with a delightful double that kickstarted a green wave of Irish winners on St. Patrick’s Thursday.
Blackmore, the first woman to become leading jockey at the festival with six victories in 2021, had endured a lean opening two days with only last year’s Champion Chase winner, Captain Guinness, giving her hope of victory only to finish third.
And, her day three rides offered little promise of success with the bookmakers offering high odds for all three of Envoi Allen, Air Of Entitlement and Bob Olinger before racing began.
St. Patrick's Thursday full list of winners
17:33
,
Mike Jones
1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
Winner: Air Of Entitlement (16/1); 2) Sixandahalf (9/4F); 3) Diva Luna (12/1)
2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Caldwell Potter (7/1), 2) Anyway (125/1), 3) O’Moore Park (66/1)
2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Doddiethegreat (25/1), 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2F), 3) Catch Him Derry (14/1)
3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Fact To File (6/4F); 2) Heart Wood (18/1); 3) Envoi Allen (12/1)
4.00: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Bob Olinger(8/1); 2) Teahupoo (6/4F); 3) Lucky Place (11/2)
4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Jagwar (3/1F); 2) Thecompanysergeant (4/1); 3) Masaccio (11/1)
5.20: JRL Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Listed) Race conditions: £75,000 | 3m2f | 21 fences | New Course
Winner: Daily Present (12/1); 2) Johnnywho (9/2F); 3) Sa Majeste (8/1)
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:30
,
Mike Jones
Daily Present makes his move and powers to the front alongside Johnnywho.
He gets a better landing over the last and edges ahead.
Johnnywho tries to respond but can’t increase the pace. Both horses are equally matched and Daily Present crosses the line first!
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:28
,
Mike Jones
Johnnywho takes up a position on the inside as Manofthepeople tries to push on.
They round the final turn.
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:27
,
Mike Jones
This race could go anyone’s way. The field are closely aligned and a late charge from someone will win it.
Sa Majeste is still out in front but the fear is his legs won’t take him to the line.
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:26
,
Mike Jones
Git Maker and Manofthepeople are the two best travelling horses at the minute with Sa Majeste clinging onto the lead.
The early leader, Midnight Our Fred has dropped to fourth but tends to finish well.
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:24
,
Mike Jones
Pats Fancy and Grozni are amongst the close trailing pack with Manofthepeople alps running well.
The leader is now Sa Majeste and leads by a length.
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:23
,
Mike Jones
Midnight Our Fred is the early leader over two jumps with Sa Majeste pushing him along in second place.
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:22
,
Mike Jones
And they’re off!
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:15
,
Mike Jones
Alan O’Sullivan, the younger brother of the late Michael O’Sullivan, is among the riders in this final race.
O’Sullivan has his first Cheltenham ride on board Walking on Air with the eight year old, trained in Wiltshire by Gary Brown.
5.20 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup
17:10
,
Mike Jones
Latest odds via Oddschecker:
Walking On Air 11/2
Johnnywho 6/1
Midnight Our Fred 7/1
Sa Majeste 8/1
Mint Boy 9/1
Yeah Man 12/1
Git Maker 12/1
Nine Graces 16/1
Wiseguy 20/1
Westerninthepark 20/1
BAR 22/1 – 23 Runners
Jagwar storms to victory
17:03
,
Mike Jones
Another win for the Irish as Jagwar triumphs:
Jagwar was pushed till the final fence, but wins the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase #ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival |@JJONeillJnr | @JoshGuerriero pic.twitter.com/sO0w4NG43s
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 13, 2025
St. Patrick's Thursday full list of winners
16:55
,
Mike Jones
1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
Winner: Air Of Entitlement (16/1); 2) Sixandahalf (9/4F); 3) Diva Luna (12/1)
2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Caldwell Potter (7/1), 2) Anyway (125/1), 3) O’Moore Park (66/1)
2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Doddiethegreat (25/1), 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2F), 3) Catch Him Derry (14/1)
3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Fact To File (6/4F); 2) Heart Wood (18/1); 3) Envoi Allen (12/1)
4.00: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Bob Olinger(8/1); 2) Teahupoo (6/4F); 3) Lucky Place (11/2)
4.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Race conditions: £150,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Jagwar (3/1F); 2) Thecompanysargeant (4/1); 3) Masaccio (11/1)
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:48
,
Mike Jones
Over the last and it’s a straight charge to line from both of them.
Jagwar, the 3/1 favourite, has more pace and energy to tackle the hill.
He squeezes ahead and takes the win for JP McManus and jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:46
,
Mike Jones
Conflated loses the lead to Seddon but gets it back as the field spreads out. Jagwar and Thecompanysergeant are coming through!
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:46
,
Mike Jones
Demnat makes a move before he runs out of space but Conflated nudges into the lead and looks to take control.
There’s a resurgence for Ginny’s Destiny who looks well positioned.
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:45
,
Mike Jones
Personal Ambition leads over Conflated with Shakem Up’Arry and now Seddon closing out the top four.
Seddon has the quicker pace and drives through to the front.
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:43
,
Mike Jones
Conflated continues to dominate at the front of the pack with Shakem Up’Arry, last year’s winner, also close by.
Personal Ambition could prove a danger and looks to be running well.
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:42
,
Mike Jones
The first two fences come and go in quick succession with Gemirande out in the lead.
He’s quickly reined in and overtaken by Conflated and Ginny’s Destiny.
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:41
,
Mike Jones
And they’re off!
4.40 - TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
16:38
,
Mike Jones
Into the penultimate race of the day.
The Irish trainers have just nudged ahead for wins with Rachael Blackmore’s victory in the Stayers’ Hurdle but can the British overhaul them with two victories from the last two races of the day?
A clean sweep for Blackmore
16:35
,
Mike Jones
Rachael Blackmore and Bob Olinger’s win in the Stayers Hurdle means she now has the clean sweep of Cheltenham’s champion races.
She won the Champion Hurdle in 2021 and 2022 on Honeysuckle, the 2022 Gold Cup on A Plus Tard and the Champion Chase in 2023 on Captain Guinness as well as the Ryanair Chase on Allaho (2021) and Envoi Allen (2023).
Henry de Bromhead reacts to Bob Olinger's victory
16:27
,
Mike Jones
De Bromhead told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "Super ride from Rachael, amazing work from all of the team from home to get him back like that. To win with him, my assistant would take a bullet for him, he adores him. He was delighted with him coming over.
"He's just a class horse. You have to look at his record - he was unbeaten. I looked at the betting and I couldn't believe it. Brilliant, amazing, delighted.
"I suppose the last few years we've always had Honey to get us off on a Tuesday. We're all delighted."
‘Saddened and embarrassed’ Frankie Dettori files for bankruptcy
16:22
,
Luke Baker
Away from the racing, a surprising story as legendary jockey Frankie Dettori has filed for bankruptcy.
The three-time champion flat jockey has had an ongoing dispute with HMRC over his financial difficulties.
In a statement, he said: “I am saddened and embarrassed by this outcome and would advise others to take a stronger rein over their financial matters. Bankruptcy is a major decision and its consequences will affect me for many years.”
Crambo and Home By The Lee emerge from nasty fall in Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
16:17
,
Jack Rathborn
Crambo and Home By The Lee look like OK despite heavy falls in the last...
We’ll have more on them when we get it.
St. Patrick's Thursday full list of winners
16:16
,
Jack Rathborn
1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
Winner: Air Of Entitlement (16/1); 2) Sixandahalf (9/4F); 3) Diva Luna (12/1)
2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Caldwell Potter (7/1), 2) Anyway (125/1), 3) O’Moore Park (66/1)
2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Doddiethegreat (25/1), 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2F), 3) Catch Him Derry (14/1)
3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Fact To File (6/4F); 2) Heart Wood (18/1); 3) Envoi Allen (12/1)
4.00: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Race conditions: £325,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Bob Olinger(8/1); 2) Teahupoo (6/4F); 3) Lucky Place (11/2)
Henry de Bromhead reacts after Bob Olinger wins the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle
16:13
,
Jack Rathborn
“She gave him a super ride, delighted for the horse, such a reputation, to see him come back and do that, delighted,” Henry de Bromhead tells ITV Racing.
“Rachael gave him such a ride, she’s an incredible lady, delighted for her. The horse is unbeaten around here, it’s incredible, he’s such a dude and rises to the occasion.”
Rachael Blackmore reacts to winning the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle with Bob Olinger
16:11
,
Jack Rathborn
“I’m very lucky to get on these horses, he was brilliant, he’s got so much speed, he was still able to pick up off the back of that,” Blackmore tells ITV Racing.
“We went out there and had the same plan. It either works like that or it doesn’t, when everybody is committed, it looks easy.
“He’s unbeaten around here, one day it was a fortuitous win, he’s a very good horse.
4.00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle - Bob Olinger edges out Teahupoo for impressive win
16:09
,
Jack Rathborn
Blackmore surges clear at the last and Bob Olinger holds off Teahupoo, what a day for the jockey and Henry de Bromhead!
A double for the day!
The Wallpark was well back, that’s how far the front two separated after the last.
4.00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
16:07
,
Jack Rathborn
Bob Olinger creeping up, but The Wallpark is there. Teahupoo a narrow leader.
4.00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
16:06
,
Jack Rathborn
Crambo is fine... Home By The Lee is loose too from that clash.
Three to go. It’s open and Bob Olinger moving up. Mystical Power hanging badly and making life awkward for the others. Teahupoo well placed too, so too Lucky Place.
4.00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
16:04
,
Jack Rathborn
Rocky’s Diamond now up alongside Gowel Road.
A fiddly error from Teahupoo there, something to watch.
Lucky Place in third, Teahupoo on the outside a couple more back. Bob Olinger sitting at the back and observing.
CRAMBO HAS GONE! Drama...
4.00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
16:02
,
Jack Rathborn
Gowel Road with an aggressive start, leading by two lengths.
Lucky Place diving a little at the first. But nothing to worry about.
Lucky Place and Crambo with Teahupoo close.
4.00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle - Teahupoo eyes Cheltenham Festival glory
16:00
,
Jack Rathborn
Ken Pitterson, ITV Racing’s paddock expert, has tipped Lucky Place as the best-looking horse... We’re nearly ready to go.
Lots of late interest in Rachael Blackmore’s Bob Olinger, available at 10/1 now.
Trainer Nicky Henderson on Lucky Place's chances in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
15:52
,
Jack Rathborn
Trainer Nicky Henderson tells ITV Racing: “He was meant to have gone chasing earlier in the year, I couldn’t find a race for him.
“Whatever happens here, we’ll go chasing next year. I’d like to think he will, he should do, he’s been good around here before. He’s a really nice, honest and likeable horse.”
Trainer Gordon Elliott on Teahupoo and The Wallpark's chances in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
15:51
,
Jack Rathborn
Trainer Gordon Elliott tells ITV Racing: “Both horses are on good form, we’ve hit the crossbar all week, you have to keep smiling.”
Fact to File celebrates Ryanair Chase win at Cheltenham Festival
15:50
,
Jack Rathborn
Stunning Cheltenham winner halves in price for King George
15:42
,
Sam Turner
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Racing fans were treated to a special performance in the Ryanair from Fact To File at Cheltenham.
“There’s a long way to go until Boxing Day, but he could be tailor-made for the King George, and we make him the 4/1 favourite for Kempton from 8/1.”
St. Patrick's Thursday full list of winners
15:37
,
Jack Rathborn
1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
Winner: Air Of Entitlement (16/1); 2) Sixandahalf (9/4F); 3) Diva Luna (12/1)
2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Caldwell Potter (7/1), 2) Anyway (125/1), 3) O’Moore Park (66/1)
2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Doddiethegreat (25/1), 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2F), 3) Catch Him Derry (14/1)
3.20: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) Race conditions: £375,000 | 2m4½f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Fact To File (6/4F); 2) Heart Wood (18/1); 3) Envoi Allen (12/1)
Willie Mullins tips Fact or File for Gold Cup at next year's Cheltenham Festival
15:32
,
Jack Rathborn
“A hell of a field, but he won very easily, a proper horse,” says Willie Mullins.
“A good gallop, but he got all his jumping right, off the bend, Mark was not worried, negotiated the last two fences very well.
“The manner is surprising, I hoped he was good enough to win it, those horses [Il Est Francais and Protektorat] are good horses, horses of a lifetime for most people, but to beat them like that it’s huge.
“Every day of the week [he would give Galopin des Champs its closest battle], he would, yes.
“He’ll be a Gold Cup horse next year I think. That’s what we’re looking at.”
3.30 Cheltenham Festival - Fact or File DOMINATES Ryanair Chase
15:29
,
Jack Rathborn
That was magnificent from Fact or File, Il Est Francais just couldn’t last with the hot pace.
“That was brilliant, he never missed a beat,” Mark Walsh says after that excellent ride.
“It’s a dream to ride horses like this and I’m very grateful.”
3.30 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival
15:26
,
Jack Rathborn
Fact to File goes past Il Est Francais down to the second last, six lengths clear!
He’s romped home, a dominant win!
Heart Wood in second and Envoi Allen third, with Protektorat fourth.
3.30 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival
15:24
,
Jack Rathborn
Il Est Francais takes the lead from Jungle Boogie.
10 fences to go... Fact or File poised, with Protektorat on the outside, negotiating the water jump.
Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival
15:23
,
Jack Rathborn
Here we go then, late money for Il Est Francais...
The pace is steadied between fence three and four, the French horse is in a handy position tucked in behind Jungle Boogie.
Then Il Est Francais, Protektorat, but the favourite Fact to File is not far behind.
Willie Mullins bullish about Fact to File in Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival
15:15
,
Jack Rathborn
Willie Mullins tells ITV Racing about Fact or File’s chances in the 3:20 on Day 3: “The Gold Cup was perhaps a bit early in his career.
“We don’t worry about Fact to File and he’s able to keep up a good gallop. It’ll suit us more than anything.”
'I had a willing partner'
15:11
,
Mike Jones
Jockey Brian Hughes said: "Winners for me here have been few and far between, but I was delighted when my agent got the call from Mr Henderson asking me to ride this one.
"I rode him at Haydock and he ran well.
"He got in a good rhythm and although we missed the second last and I got there sooner than I would have wanted, but I had a willing partner."
Springwell Bay dies after fall in Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
15:10
,
Luke Baker
Some sad news emerging from Cheltenham as Springwell Bay, who fell during the running of the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, has since died.
A statement from Cheltenham said: "In our second race of the day, Springwell Bay was immediately attended to by our veterinary professionals, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections."
According to Animal welfare charity Animal Aid, this is the 77th horse death at Cheltenham since 2000 and they have heavily criticised the festival.
“Here we are again - yet one more innocent life lost - whilst the industry cries crocodile tears and proclaim falsehoods about ‘welfare' and ‘truly caring for the horses',” said Nina Copleston-Hawkens, Animal Aid Campaigns Manager.
“Make no mistake, any industry which profits of the exploitation and death of innocent animals is working on borrowed time - and Animal Aid will ensure that horse racing is consigned to the history books where it belongs.”
Reaction from Brian Hughes
15:07
,
Mike Jones
Here’s what winning jockey Brian Hughes said:
"When you are not offered the ammunition, it's very hard to come"
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 13, 2025
A defiant interview from Brian Hughes after winning with Doddiethegreat #ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @AlicePlunkett pic.twitter.com/jZFtOt2lU6
Doddiethegreat wins the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
15:03
,
Mike Jones
Here’s how Brian Hughes rode Doddiethegreat to victory:
A 25-1 winner
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 13, 2025
A great win for Doddiethegreat wins the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle #ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival | @sevenbarrows | @MNDoddie5 pic.twitter.com/cRFTb1cafV
Nicky Henderson reacts to Doddiethegreat's win
14:57
,
Mike Jones
Nicky Henderson told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "It was quite nice when he jumped the last and there was nothing coming at them. Jeriko Du Reponet ran a great race.
"I love Doddie. I've been saying Doddie each way in every Cheltenham preview and I've done about 20 of them!"
Doddiethegreat wins the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:54
,
Mike Jones
Doddiethegreat was named in honour of Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir.
Weir passed away following a battle with motor neurone disease.
The winnings from the race will be donated to an MND charity by the owners.
St. Patrick's Thursday full list of winners
14:51
,
Mike Jones
1.20: Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) Race conditions: £105,000 | 2m1f | 8 hurdles | New Course
Winner: Air Of Entitlement (16/1); 2) Sixandahalf (9/4F); 3) Diva Luna (12/1)
2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2) Race conditions: £125,000 | 2m4f | 17 fences | New Course
Winner: Caldwell Potter (7/1), 2) Anyway (125/1), 3) O’Moore Park (66/1)
2.40: Pertemps Final (Grade 3) Race conditions: £100,000 | 3m | 12 hurdles | New course
Winner: Doddiethegreat (25/1), 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2F), 3) Catch Him Derry (14/1)
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:51
,
Mike Jones
Winner: Doddiethegreat (25-1) 2) Jeriko Du Reponet (11-2F) 3 Catch Him Derry (14-1)
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:47
,
Mike Jones
Doddiethegreat wins the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle!
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:46
,
Mike Jones
Doddiethegreat takes to the front and clears the final hurdle!
Can he kick on to the line?
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:46
,
Mike Jones
Maxi Mac Gold catches up to American Sniper as Doddiethegreat starts pushing forward as well.
This is going to be too close to call as the turn for home.
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:45
,
Mike Jones
Thomas Mor is still up near front and there’s a gap of a length or so between him and American Sniper in first place.
That’s closing though and Supreme Gift looks to be positioning for the finish.
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:43
,
Mike Jones
Supreme Gift moves into the top three before One Big Bang and Maxi Mac Gold shift towards the rail and edge their nose ahead.
There’s not much separating the chasing pack but American Sniper has the lead.
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:42
,
Mike Jones
American Sniper leads the field and looks to be emulating the tactics of Caldwell Potter by getting out in front of the rest.
Thomas Mor and One Big Bang sit behind.
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:40
,
Mike Jones
And they’re off!
2.40 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
14:39
,
Mike Jones
Almost time for the third race of the day.
Jeriko Du Reponet is the favourite, ridden by Nico de Boinville.
Who are Rachael Blackmore’s winners at the Cheltenham Festival?
14:37
,
Mike Jones
March is the month that the Cheltenham Festival dominates the back pages for four days of horseracing action which can send winning jockeys into the mainstream.
One such champion is Ireland’s Rachael Blackmore. A favourite with the general public following her triumph in the 2021 Grand National which made her the first female jockey to win the famous race.
At Cheltenham, Blackmore has cemented her place as one of the best jockeys around riding 16 winners at the festival including A Plus Tard in the 2022 Gold Cup where she repeated her previous feat and became the first female jockey the prestigious trophy.
Caldwell Potter romps to victory
14:32
,
Mike Jones
He is the first winner of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival for owner Sir Alex Ferguson.
