Cheltenham day 3 tips
Cheltenham Day 3 Overview
Cheltenham Day 3, set for March 11, 2026, promises to be an exciting event, particularly with the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase on the schedule. The Stayers’ Hurdle features a competitive field of 11 runners, including notable horses such as Teahupoo and Bob Olinger, who are the past two winners of this prestigious race.
Key Horses to Watch
Among the contenders, The Bluesman, trained by Olly Murphy and ridden by Sean Bowen, stands out as a promising participant. Carl Evans remarked, “The Bluesman is a handsome chap, and his chasing career is coming along nicely.” Another horse to keep an eye on is Wodhooh, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, who is expected to have a straightforward task after Lossiemouth switched to the Champion Hurdle. Kim Bailey noted, “With Lossiemouth going for the Champion Hurdle, this race looks set up for Wodhooh. She’s tough, consistent and a winning machine.”
Progressive Stayers
The Stayers’ Hurdle is particularly notable for its young, progressive stayers. Three horses in this category are Ma Shantou, trained by Emma Lavelle and ridden by Harry Cobden, Kabral Du Mathan, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, and Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien and also ridden by Sean Bowen. Tom Peacock commented on Ma Shantou, saying, “There are a lot of old hands who might be past their best in this race but Ma Shantou has a younger set of legs.”
Recent Performances
Teahupoo’s impressive performance in the Grade One Christmas Hurdle, where he beat Bob Olinger by seven lengths, has made him a strong contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle. Last year, Fact To File was untouchable in the same race, setting a high standard for this year’s competitors. The maximum runner field for the day is set at 22, ensuring a thrilling atmosphere.
Head-to-Head Matchups
In the 1.20 race, two horses will face off in an intriguing head-to-head matchup, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the day’s events. Gericault Roque, trained by David Pipe, has a racing mark of 129, while Impaire Et Passe has only run once at Cheltenham, making this a compelling contest.
Day three of the Cheltenham Festival is traditionally known as St Patrick’s Thursday, a day that draws significant attention from racing fans and punters alike. The atmosphere is electric, with many spectators eager to witness the top horses in action.
Looking Ahead
As the day approaches, observers are keen to see how the horses perform, particularly in the Stayers’ Hurdle, where expectations are high for Wodhooh and the younger contenders. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineup, but the anticipation for Cheltenham Day 3 continues to build.