Cheltenham Day 3: Tips, thoughts, news, cards - all you need to know 

Including the latest word from a windy course from our man Ruby Walsh.
Cheltenham Day 3: Tips, thoughts, news, cards - all you need to know 

WE ROLL: A horse relaxes on the gallops on day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Photo: : Adam Davy/PA Wire. 

THE BIG ONES

Three Grade 1s today, with the Ryanair Chase at 4pm the feature.  Fact To File is almost impossible to oppose in a race he sauntered to victory in last year, reckons Darren Norris.

There's the Stayers’ Hurdle at 3:20pm - Teahupoo can avenge last year’s defeat to Bob Olinger, Darren says.

And the Mares’ Hurdle at 3:20 is a "penalty kick for winning machine Wodhooh". Though remember Vini Jr's penalty last night. 

GOOD MORNING FROM RUBY 

Here's our man from the racecourse where a serious head-wind will be a factor today, he reckons.

RUBY'S TIPS

Read Ruby's tips and thoughts for Day 3. He reckons the value is elsewhere in the Bambino v Oldschool novice duel.

THURSDAY'S FULL CARD

1.20pm: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 

2pm: Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 

2.40pm: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 

3:20pm: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 

4pm: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 

4.40pm: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 

5.20pm: Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

TACTICS

Here's a good chat between Ruby and Brendan O'Brien on how tactics have changed at Cheltenham over the years. 

DARREN'S TIPS

Darren Norris tips for Day 3
Darren Norris tips for Day 3

CARDS

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