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

12 Mar 2026 • 5:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • 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