Cheltenham Festival 2026: What time do the Day Three races on St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday, March 12 begin?

Seven races are scheduled for Day Three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival also known as St Patrick’s Thursday. The feature races of the day are the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) at 3.20pm (GMT) and the Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1) at 4pm (GMT).

1.20pm: The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m abt 1f

2.00pm: The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4 1/2f

2.40pm: The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m abt 4 1/2 f

3.20pm: The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Abt 3m

4.00pm: The Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4 1/2f

4.40pm: The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Premier Handicap) Abt 3m

5.20pm: The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (0-145) 2m abt 4 1/2f

All race timings are subjected to potential change.

CLICK HERE to view the scheduling of all four days at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.