Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Live Updates: Stayers’ Hurdle & Ryanair Chase

The Cheltenham Festival continued today, March 12, 2026, with a full slate of races at Prestbury Park. Dubbed “St. Patrick’s Thursday,” the day featured several highly anticipated contests, including the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase. Live coverage is available through BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and RTE, offering both commentary and text updates.

The afternoon’s racing commenced with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at 13:20, where White Noise emerged victorious. Following that, the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase took place at 14:00, with Meetmebythesea claiming the win. The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at 14:40 saw Wodhooh cross the finish line first.

The highlight of the day, the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, was scheduled for 15:20, with Home By The Lee as a prominent contender. The festival, a cornerstone of the National Hunt racing calendar, draws significant attention from both seasoned racing enthusiasts and casual observers. The event’s popularity stems from its challenging course, competitive fields, and the overall atmosphere of excitement that permeates Prestbury Park throughout the four-day event.

The RTE coverage, updated continuously, provides a minute-by-minute account of the action, while the BBC’s radio broadcast offers real-time audio descriptions of each race. This combination of media allows fans to follow the festival regardless of their location or preferred method of consumption. The ongoing live updates are particularly valuable for those unable to attend the event in person, offering a comprehensive experience that captures the drama and intensity of each race.

St. Patrick’s Thursday traditionally marks a turning point in the festival, often setting the stage for the weekend’s championship races. The results of today’s key contests will undoubtedly influence betting patterns and strategies for the remaining days. The Stayers’ Hurdle, in particular, is a prestigious event, attracting some of the most talented long-distance hurdlers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A win in this race can significantly elevate a horse’s profile and value.

The Mares’ races, both the Novices’ Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle, have develop into increasingly important fixtures in the National Hunt calendar, providing opportunities for female horses to compete at the highest level. These races have helped to showcase the talent and athleticism of mares, challenging traditional perceptions within the sport. The success of horses like White Noise and Wodhooh underscores the growing prominence of these contests.

The Jack Richards Novices’ Chase, a handicap race, offers a different kind of challenge, requiring horses to carry varying weights based on their previous performances. This leveling mechanism aims to create a more competitive field, ensuring that even less experienced horses have a chance to contend for victory. Meetmebythesea’s win in this race demonstrates the importance of accurate handicapping and the ability of horses to overcome weight disadvantages.

The Cheltenham Festival is not merely a sporting event; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The festival generates significant economic activity for the local community, attracting thousands of visitors to the area. Beyond the racing itself, the festival is known for its vibrant social scene, with numerous hospitality options and entertainment events taking place throughout the week. The atmosphere at Prestbury Park is often described as electric, with passionate fans creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

As the festival progresses, attention will inevitably turn to the Gold Cup, the championship race scheduled for the final day. The results of today’s races may provide clues as to which horses are best positioned to challenge for the Gold Cup title. The Stayers’ Hurdle, in particular, often serves as a key indicator of stamina and staying power, qualities that are essential for success in the Gold Cup.

The ongoing coverage from RTE and the BBC will continue to provide detailed analysis and insights into the races, offering viewers and listeners a comprehensive understanding of the strategies, tactics, and performances that shape the outcome of each contest. The festival’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of athletic prowess, strategic brilliance, and the sheer excitement of live racing.