St Patrick's Thursday at Cheltenham Festival: A Full Day of Racing Action
The Cheltenham Festival continues with its third day, famously known as St Patrick's Thursday, scheduled for Thursday afternoon on 12 March 2026. This day promises an exciting lineup of races, attracting horse racing enthusiasts from across the globe.
Race Schedule and Key Events
The action kicks off at 1.20pm GMT with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, setting the tone for an afternoon of competitive racing. Following this, the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase will commence at 2pm, offering a thrilling chase event for spectators.
At 2.40pm, the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle takes center stage, showcasing top-tier hurdling talent. This will be followed by the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at 3.20pm, a highlight for fans of endurance racing.
Thrilling Highlights and Conclusion
The Ryanair Chase at 4pm is anticipated to be a standout race, with Fact To File aiming for glory in this prestigious event. As the day progresses, the Pertemps Network Final at 4.40pm will provide another layer of excitement.
The action concludes with the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase at 5.20pm, wrapping up a full day of racing. For those planning to attend or watch, the complete Cheltenham Festival 2026 race card and four-day schedule are available for reference.
This St Patrick's Thursday offers a perfect blend of tradition and competition, making it a must-watch event in the horse racing calendar.
