Cheltenham Day 3 is St Patrick’s Day, a day where the luck of the Irish is typically a big feature! It includes two Grade 1 races, the Steeple Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, where the battle of Britain and Ireland will be on full show on the track and in the stands!

To find out more about St. Patricks Thursday at Cheltenham Festival past and present, including some top Cheltenham Day 3 tips, best betting offers, trends, race information, watching along live and more, keep reading below!

Want to Bet on the Cheltenham Festival? Grab Some Free Bets Here…

1. Betway - £30 Matched Free Bet if your First Acca Loses

2. Bet365 - Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

bet365 T&Cs: Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. 

3. Copybet - Bet £20 Get £60 in Free Bets

4. Spreadex - Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

5. William Hill - Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets

6. Sky Bet - £40 in Free Bets When You Place Any Bet

7. Ladbrokes - Bet £5 Get £20 in Free Bets

8. Tote - Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses

9. Netbet - Bet £10 Get £10 + 65 Free Spins

10. Betano - Bet £10 Get £30 in Bonuses

11. Fitzdares - Bet £50 Get £25 in Free Bets

12. Coral - Get £5 Get £20 in Free Bets

13. Midnite - Bet £10 Get £20 + 50 Free Spins

14. Paddy Power - Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

15. BetMGM - Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

16. Betrino - Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

17. NRG - Bet £10 Get £10 in Free Bets

18. Unibet - Bet £10 Get £40 in Bonuses

18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. Registration Required GambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission.

DISCLAIMER: All the offers displayed in this article are correct as of the day of publishing and are subject to change without notice. The offer terms and conditions are displayed at the bottom of the page.

Cheltenham Festival Day 3 2025 Tips

For more information and tips for the whole of the Cheltenham Festival, click here.

Overview of Cheltenham Day 3

Cheltenham Day 3 - St Patrick’s Thursday: All You Need To Know

• Date: Thursday 13th March, 2025

• Gates: 10:30

• First race: 13:20

• Feature Race: 15:20 & 16:00

• Final Race: 17:20

It is only right that St Patrick's Day at Cheltenham Festival is a day where Irish trainers triumph, and given the dominance over the last three Cheltenham Festivals, many could say it is the luck of the Irish! The battle for the Prestbury Cup raises its stakes, with just one day left before the winners are declared!

Watch along as two of the most highly anticipated events battle it out on track in the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, and see the stands as a sea of green and gold cheering them on all the way. Expect to experience a day full of Irish music and dancing alongside a lively Guinness Village as the racecourse celebrates the tradition only St Patrick’s Day at Cheltenham can provide.

Tips for the Day 3 Feature Race

The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

The second youngest race at the Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Day 3. Introduced back in 2016, it was dominated by Willie Mullin for the first five years. However, since 2021, it has become one of the most unpredictable, with a different trainer winning each year.

It has featured famous winners, including Telmesomethinggirl from the stables of Henry De Bromhead, with Rachael Blackmore, the jockey, onboard in 2021. It also has only been won by horses aged 5 and 6, with the last five champions being six years of age.

The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

The first of two championship races on Day 3 has an impressive history and some hard-to-ignore data for Cheltenham Day 3 tips! It is a happy hunting ground for experienced runners at the track, including winners, with 14 of the last 17 winners being previously placed in other races at the festival.

It is also impossible to ignore French-bred horses, with all of the last 11 winners being French. In 2023, Henry De Bromhead put an end the another Willie Mullins winnings streak. Last year in 2024, it was Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton who secured the win with Protektorat. It is all to play for this time out.

The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

The second Grade 1 race of the day has been dominated by Irish trainers in recent years. Gavin Cromwell and Gordon Elliott have shared two wins each since 2021, as Flooring Porter secured two wins from two in 2021 and 2022. Elliott is going for a potential third this time out after wins with Sire Du Berlais and Teahupoo in 2023 and 2024.

As it stands, there are no entries currently in the Stayers Hurdle from the Cromwell stables, but there are five potential runners from Elliott. The most times the same horse has won the Stayers’ is four times, going back to 2009-2012, when it was Paul Nicholls with Big Bucks.

Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Trends and Highlights

There are various trends attached to each of the races that take place on St. Patricks Thursday at Cheltenham Festival that punters may or may not use to influence the bets that they place.

Focusing on the two Grade 1 races of the day in particular, the Ryanair Chase has seen a theme in its last 10 winners that could help provide a hint to what may happen this time out. These last 10 winners were aged between 7 and 9, and five of the last six winners have been trained in Ireland. The Stayers Hurdle, meanwhile, despite being dominated by horses aged 6 and 9, has not seen a nine-year-old cross the line first since 2013. It may also be worthwhile looking at previous race winners, with six of the last 10 champions being off the back of a victory.

St Patrick’s Day wouldn't be complete without a successful day for the Irish trainers, and there is always a strong Irish contingent showing up on and off the track. It could be the luck of the Irish that inspires your Cheltenham Day 3 bets.

Tips for Betting on Cheltenham Day 3

Research Gordon Elliott

A prevalent Irish trainer on St Patrick’s Day, Gordon Elliott has enjoyed many recent successes, making him one of the top Cheltenham tips for Day 3! In 2024, the Irishman secured a second race win in The Stayer’s Hurdle in as many years, with Teahupoo and two more of his horses finishing in the places on the day in the Ryanair Chase (3) and the Mares Novice Hurdle (2). As a result, Elliott is the big favourite heading into the day.

Look For the Best Value

It is always worth looking at multiple betting sites to find the best value on Cheltenham selections. If there is a certain race, runner, or trainer, bet you are looking to place, shop around and see what various sites are offering for the same or similar bets so you can make sure you are getting the best possible odds. This also means you can benefit from any offers on selections such as enhanced odds, price boosts, and more!

Explore Different Betting Types

By now, we are sure that you are familiar with placing bets on Cheltenham. However, if you are sticking to what you know, we are here to encourage you to explore some different ways to bet! Take a look at placing bets such as Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) to get your money back should your selection not be able to race, and Each Way bets so you can still potentially win your bet even if your selection does not win! Mixing up the bets you place can make your time betting on the festival more exciting!

Cheltenham Live Streaming

Fans and bettors can watch all of the action live at Cheltenham, whether they are at the racecourse, at home, or on the move! This is one of the festival's many fantastic features.

If you are after free coverage on TV and online, ITV is showing six of the seven races from each day live, including pre-race and post-race action. This is also available on your mobile device via the website and the ITVX app. All of the action will also be shown live on RacingTV, with all seven races happening across the four days. This will be available on TV as well as via its online and mobile platforms.

Alternatively, you can watch the action via bookmakers' exclusive live streams, which can be enjoyed when signing up for an account! These often require a bet to be placed or a deposit to be made into your account!

Responsible Gambling

To keep your betting enjoyable, it is essential that when using any of the sites, you practice responsible gambling and utilise the responsible gambling tools available wherever possible. It is also imperative that you choose a licensed website so features such as responsible gambling tools and support are offered.

These features include the ability to apply deposit limits to your account to reduce your spending, as well as time-out periods and self-exclusion tools for when you may want to take a short or extended break from your account. Utilising these tools should help to maintain positive gambling habits. However, if further support is required, there are plenty of helplines and charities that provide support and may be contacted through betting sites themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Cheltenham Day 3 start?

Cheltenham Day 3 action begins with the first race at 13:20, The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2).

Which race is the highlight of Cheltenham Day 3

The Ryanair Steeple Chase at 15:20 & Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at 16:00 are the highlights of Cheltenham Day 3.

How do I pick a winner on Day 3?

Closely examine the races taking place on Day 3 and check out any Cheltenham tips day 3 that are available. Decide on the selection you wish to back and bet you wish to place, then go ahead and search the best deal! 

Which is the best bookmaker offers for Day 3?

For Cheltenham Festival Day 3, we recommend checking out the free bets and betting offers from Betway, bet365, Copybet, Spreadex and William Hill.

Offer T&Cs:

Betway: *New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days from the new account being registered. 18+ GambleAware.org. Bet the Responsible Way. Full Terms apply.

Bet365: Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. 

Copybet: Full T&Cs apply. New UK customers only. The qualifying bet should be either a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £20, have 1.9 or greater odds and must be settled within 7 days of opt-in. 3 Free bets include: 1 x £20 Free bet Racing (Horse Racing or Greyhound Racing); 1 x £20 Free Bet Live Football; 1 x £20 Free Bet Live. Max payout – £500. 7-day expiry. To unlock the offer, complete the first deposit via the banking app (Open banking). 18+. GambleAware

Spreadex: Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a £10 fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 2 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 4 x £5 free spread bets + £1 Race Index spread bet.

William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. New players using T60 code. Online only. Get £60 bonus split as follows: (i) Deposit £10. Get a £20 Vegas Bonus on selected games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); “(ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, get 4x£10 sports free bets (valid 7 days, excl. virtual sports). Payment & country restrictions & full T&Cs apply. #ad

Sky Bet: NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 4 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. GAMBLEAWARE.ORG

Ladbrokes: 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.

Netbet: New players only. Bet £10 min. odds 1/1 (2.00). No cash-out. Free Bet available on Bet Builder. 25 Free Spins on Big Bass Splash, each valued at 10p without wagering requirement. 10 Free Spins daily on Big Bass Day at the races, each valued at 10p without wagering requirement. Credited within 24 hours. Valid for 7 days. Bet £20 or more at min. odds 2.00 (EVS). Only bets on the ITV races will count. Terms apply.

Betano: 18+ New Customers Only. Opt in, bet £10 on sports (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of signing up. Get 2x£10 Free Bets for set markets, and a £10 Slot Bonus for Big Bass Day at the races, 30x wagering, max redeem £250. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Offer available until 17:00 on 14.03.2025. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly 

Tote: New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Full T&Cs apply.

Fitzdares: New customers only, aged 18+. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at at odds of Evens (2.0) or greater to qualify for three free bets on settlement: £10 on Football, £10 on Greyhounds and £5 on Virtual Sports, plus 10 Free Spins on Reel King. Free Bet & Spins expire in 7 days. Additional T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly.

Coral: 18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.  

Midnite: 18+ New UK customers. Bet £10 on accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). Get 4x £5 Free Bets and 50 Free Spins, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Paddy Power: New Customers only - Place a £10 Sportsbook bet on any race at the Cheltenham Festival 2025, min. odds 1/2 (1.5) — get £40 in free bets. Free bets awarded on qualifying bet settlement and can be used on any Horse Racing & Football. Only deposits via Cards & Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply.

BetMGM: New cust only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at Evens (1/1) or above for 2 x £10 Free Bets (min odds 2/1) & 2 x £10 Free Accas (trebles & above at min odds per line 1/2). Expires 14/03/25 23:59. Cannot be used on e-sports & non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Betrino: Opt-in Required. Free bet is a one-time stake, minimum odds of 2, stake is not returned. 1x wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: £200. Valid for 7 Days from receipt. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Min deposit £10 required using deposit code: FESTIVAL, Minimum of £10 worth of qualifying bets on any Horse Racing event. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply.

NRG: UK/IE | 18+ | T&C’s Apply

Unibet: 18+. BeGambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets and £20 Casino Bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.