Cheltenham Day 3 Tips
As the pinnacle of National Hunt racing in Britain, the Cheltenham Festival is a hugely anticipated event. Day 3 – St. Patrick’s Thursday – is packed with some of the top races held at the festival.
To help you make the most of day three, here are some key Cheltenham day three (Thursday) betting tips.
Tips for Betting on the Cheltenham Festival
Whether you’re new to betting on the Cheltenham Festival or you’re a seasoned Cheltenham punter, it’s important to have the right betting strategy. Consider the following when picking your runners.
● Consider a runner’s recent form in previous National Hunt races this season. It gives you a good idea of their potential performance at Cheltenham.
● Analyse the horse’s previous results at Cheltenham. Previous course wins usually bode well.
● Look into the jockey and trainer, as they may have previous successes here.
● Research how well horses perform on the ground conditions predicted for the race.
Alongside these general betting tips for Cheltenham, you should learn about each race you want to bet on.
Cheltenham Day 3 Races
Here’s what to look out for on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, St. Patrick’s Thursday, along with some Cheltenham day three betting tips.
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle: 13:20
This Grade 2 contest is run over 2 miles and 1 furlong on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival. It is open to fillies and mares aged four years and over. If you’re planning on betting on the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, remember to:
• Focus on the top novice hurdlers among the mare population.
• Consider their form going into the race. Four of the last seven winners won their last race before the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase: 14:00
The Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase is a Grade 1 contest run over 2m 5f and is open to novice chasers aged five years and older. Tips for betting on the race include:
• Consider those stepping up in trip who might appreciate the distance.
• Look at horses aged six or seven, as they seem to perform particularly well in the race. The last four editions have all been won by seven-year-old horses.
The Pertemps Network Final: 14:40
The Pertemps Final is a thrilling handicap hurdle showdown and the culmination of the season’s 21 long-distance qualifying races. It is run over a distance of 2m 7f 213y and is open to horses aged five and up. Tips for betting on the Pertemps Final include:
• This is a competitive handicap hurdle, so look for horses who ran well in qualifying races.
• Consider jockeys with good records in this race.
The Ryanair Chase: 15:20
The Ryanair Chase is the top race of the third day of Cheltenham and is a prestigious Grade 1 National Hunt for middle-distance chasers, run over 2m 4f. It’s open to horses aged five and over. Tips for betting on the Ryanair Chase include:
• Analyse the form of the leading two-and-a-half-mile chasers.
• Consider their jumping ability and how they handle the Cheltenham track.
• Look at previous winners and runners up. Hot tips for the 2025 Ryanair Chase include the winner in 2024, Protektorat, and the runner up in 2023, Envoi Allen.
Stayers’ Hurdle: 16:00
The Stayers Hurdle is the top long-distance hurdle event of the Cheltenham Festival, a Grade 1 hurdle race run over 3 miles. Tips for betting on the Stayers’ Hurdle include:
• Focus on horses with proven stamina for the three-mile hurdle distance.
• Look at their form in other staying hurdle races, including the Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown.
• Consider form from previous events at Cheltenham Racecourse, including the Relkeel Hurdle.
Plate Handicap Chase: 16:40
The Plate Handicap Chase is one of the most competitive handicap chases in the British racing calendar. It is run over 2m 4.5f and is open to horses aged over five years and older. If you’re planning on wagering on the Plate Handicap in 2025, the following tips should help:
• Look for older horses. The last three winners have been aged over 10.
• Consider form at Cheltenham, as the last six winners have had a course win that season.
Kim Muir Handicap Chase: 17:20
The Kim Muir Challenge Cup is a listed handicap chase open to amateur riders and run over 3m 2f on the New Course at the Cheltenham Festival. Betting tips include:
• As this race is for amateur riders, consider the experience of the jockeys as well as the horses' form.
• Look for horses who stay the trip well.
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