Cheltenham Festival 2025: Your Essential Race-by-Race Guide to Day 3

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Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival, known as St Patrick’s Thursday, is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025. This day celebrates Irish heritage and features a series of prestigious races that attract top talent from the National Hunt racing sphere.

Race Schedule for Day Three:

13:20 – The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Distance: 2 miles and 1 furlong

Overview: This race is exclusive to novice mares aged four years and older. It provides a platform for emerging female hurdlers to showcase their potential on a prominent stage.

14:00 – The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

Distance: 2 miles and 4 furlongs

Overview: A competitive handicap chase for novice chasers, this race tests the abilities of up-and-coming talents over fences, offering a balance between speed and stamina.

14:40 – The Pertemps Network Final (Listed Handicap Hurdle)

Distance: 3 miles

Overview: This race serves as the culmination of a series of qualifiers, bringing together seasoned hurdlers who have demonstrated consistency and endurance throughout the season.

15:20 – The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: 2 miles and 4 furlongs

Overview: As one of the day’s feature races, the Ryanair Chase attracts elite middle-distance chasers. Competitors must exhibit a blend of speed, jumping accuracy, and tactical acumen to succeed.

16:00 – The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Distance: 3 miles

Overview: This premier long-distance hurdle race crowns the leading staying hurdler of the season. Stamina and resilience are paramount for contenders aiming to secure this esteemed title.

16:40 – The TrustATrader Plate (Premier Handicap Steeple Chase)

Distance: 2 miles and 4 furlongs

Overview: A highly competitive handicap chase, this race often features a large field, making it a thrilling spectacle with potential for unexpected outcomes.

17:20 – The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Handicap Steeple Chase)

Distance: 3 miles and 2 furlongs

Overview: Concluding the day’s events, this amateur riders’ race is a test of endurance and strategy, offering a platform for aspiring jockeys to shine on a grand stage.

Additional Notes:

• Gates Open: 10:30 AM daily

• First Race: 13:20 PM

• Last Race: 17:20 PM

St Patrick’s Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival not only offers top-class racing but also embodies a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, blending sporting excellence with festive cheer. The day is filled with music, dance, and camaraderie, particularly in the Guinness Village and hospitality suites. Whether attending in person or viewing remotely, spectators are assured a day rich in equine talent and exhilarating competition.

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