LIVECheltenham Festival Day 3: Follow all the latest race updates, results and reaction

Including the latest word from a windy course from our man Ruby Walsh.

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

1.01pm: First up on day 3 at Cheltenham is the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

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. 

Cheltenham Festival

The latest news, views, analysis and opinions on Cheltenham from the Irish Examiner sports desk and our  team of award-winning horse racing writers, tipsters and fans

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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

CARDS

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