Cheltenham Festival 2026 Day Three: Expert Analysis and Betting Insights
The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is in full swing, with day three, known as St. Patrick's Thursday, promising thrilling action across seven prestigious races. Following two days of spectacular racing, the focus shifts to key contests, including the highly anticipated Ryanair Chase, where Willie Mullins' Fact To File is the overwhelming favourite. The festival culminates on Friday with the Gold Cup, where Inothewayurthinkin aims for a second consecutive victory.
Key Races and Expert Predictions for St. Patrick's Thursday
Our racing experts, including legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh and The Independent's correspondent Jonathan Doidge, provide detailed tips for each race. Here is a breakdown of their insights for the day's events.
1.20: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
Ruby Walsh's tip: Bambino Fever. "Bambino Fever has an outstanding chance. She improved markedly to win at Fairyhouse after a loss to Oldschool Outlaw at Naas. As last year’s Champion Bumper winner, she's in excellent form at home, and I couldn’t oppose her."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Oldschool Outlaw (e/w). "There's little to separate the top two, but Oldschool Outlaw offers better value, having already beaten Bambino Fever at Naas. Among British contenders, La Conquiere appears most interesting."
2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
Ruby Walsh's tip: Sixmilebridge. "I really like Sixmilebridge, who has won all three starts over fences, including an impressive victory over Kala Conti in the Scilly Isles at Sandown."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Ben Solo (e/w). "Ben Solo, trained by Rebecca Curtis, shows potential over fences, with a win at Chepstow last November. He could offer value as he establishes himself in this discipline."
2.40: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Ruby Walsh's tip: Wodhooh or Jade De Grugy. "This race is between Wodhooh and Jade De Grugy. I can't see Wodhooh out of the top two, and Jade De Grugy is the only likely challenger. A reverse forecast on this pair is advisable."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Wodhooh. "Wodhooh is several pounds clear on ratings and remains a decent price at near odds-on, following her win in last year's Martin Pipe."
3.20: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Ruby Walsh's tip: Honesty Policy. "With limited pace expected, Honesty Policy's gears could prove decisive. If Gordon Elliott's string performs well, this improving six-year-old is a strong contender after a good run at Ascot."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Bob Olinger (e/w). "Despite being 11 years old, Bob Olinger is undervalued at 15/2. He has a perfect 4-4 record at Cheltenham, with three Festival wins, making him a compelling each-way option."
4.00: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)
Ruby Walsh's tip: Fact To File. "Fact To File should win if he avoids bad luck. Impaire Et Passe might chase him home for a Mullins 1-2, but Fact To File is the clear favourite."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Fact To File. "I'm pleased Mullins sent Fact To File here. He's perfectly suited by this trip and track conditions, making him a strong pick for victory."
4.40: Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap)
Ruby Walsh's tip: Yeah Man. "Yeah Man, from Gavin Cromwell's team, qualified with a run in the Red Mills Hurdle. Though on a higher UK mark, he's a solid proposition on his day."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Red Dirt Road (e/w). "I'm taking a chance on Red Dirt Road, a lightly raced nine-year-old. Despite a poor run on heavy ground at Sandown, he has potential based on past Grade 3 success."
5.20: Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Ruby Walsh's tip: Kim Roque. "Kim Roque has shown promise in trips to Cheltenham and Leopardstown. If the step up in trip brings improvement, he has a solid chance under John Gleeson."
Jonathan Doidge's tip: Gericault Roque (e/w). "With only two favourites winning in the last decade, I'm opting for Gericault Roque, who placed third in the 2022 Ultima and Coral Gold Cup, offering sporting value."
Willie Mullins' Dominance and Festival Context
Willie Mullins continues his impressive form at Cheltenham 2026, having secured victories in the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth and the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Il Etait Temps. He aims for further success on day three, with Fact To File leading his charge in the Ryanair Chase. The festival atmosphere is electric, with daily coverage and betting insights available through Independent Sport.
Responsible Gambling Note: Always gamble responsibly, set limits, and seek help if needed from organisations like BeGambleAware or Gamcare. Odds and offers are subject to change; check terms and conditions before betting.
