Thursday’s race card has a new look to it this year, with the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle now the opening race on the day and the Jack Richards’ Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase replacing the Grade 1 option over two-and-a-half miles.
That race is one of four handicaps on what could be a tricky day for punters, while last year’s champions are seeking to retain their crowns in both the Ryanair and Stayers.
Here’s what’s coming up…
Big Race Preview: Stayers’ Hurdle
Teahupoo was an authoritative winner of this race 12 months ago and returns as favourite to defend his title, but with plenty willing to take him on.
The eight-year-old has had the same light campaign as last season, but this time around was beaten on his sole start when finishing second to Lossiemouth at Fairyhouse in December.
That race came over a trip too short but with Gordon Elliott’s runner not seen since, there are questions over whether he will replicate last year’s showing – not least because he looks unlikely to get his preferred soft ground.
In Teahupoo’s absence, Home By The Lee has been the standout Irish horse in the division this season, with Joseph O’Brien’s charge unbeaten in two starts and now seeking to win this race at the fourth time of asking.
Beyond the 10-year-old, the ranks have been refreshed with if not new stars then at least new blood.
Lucky Place and The Wallpark are young improvers on either side of the Irish Sea, while Mystical Power tries three miles for the first time as a left-field option sent in by Willie Mullins.
Then there is the curious case of two-time Festival winner Langer Dan, whose pre-Cheltenham form has been non-existent, but whose trainer, Dan Skelton, insists he always comes right in the spring.
The Ryanair Chase shares headline billing and with Galopin Des Champs scaring a number of potential rivals away from the Gold Cup, this looks a decent renewal.
Fact To File, having been beaten twice by the reigning Gold Cup winner, steps back in trip and heads the betting, with Skelton and Protektorat heading the British challenge after winning this race last year.
There is an intriguing third nation involved here, with Il Est Francais crossing the Channel after so nearly blowing the King George field away at Kempton at Christmas.
Elsewhere, long-time favourite Maughreen must prove as good as the hype having won only one modest race over hurdles if she is to prove the outstanding novice mare.
Cheltenham Festival 2025 day 3 schedule
13.20: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
14.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
14.40: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
16.00: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
16.40: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
17.20: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Cheltenham Festival 2025 day 3 tips
2:00: Answer To Kayf 11/1
2:40: Karl Des Tourelles 18/1
4:00: Mystical Power 18/1
4:40: Thecompanysergeant 9/1
5:20: Walking On Air 7/1
