Cheltenham Day 3 Tips and Race Previews for 2024 festival
Thursday is the beyond the halfway mark of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and the Irish will descend for St Patrick's Day.
The Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle is the highlight of day 3, but the race of the day may come on the Mares Novices’ Hurdle as three top mares will go head to head in a titanic battle.
Now, onto the most important part, the Cheltenham Day 3 tips.
*tips are subject to change on the day of declarations, only if the selection is not declared for the race in which he/she is tipped for.
*prices are correct as of the time of writing
Cheltenham day 3 race schedule
Before we get into the Cheltenham Day 3 tips, let’s remind ourselves of the races and times for day 3 of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
Cheltenham day 3 tips and predictions
Now onto the Cheltenham Day 3 tips. I will cover every race on St Patrick's Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival and give you the best chance to walk away from day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival with more winning betting tips.
But before we look ahead to the Cheltenham Day 3 tips, let's have a deeper look at the Grade 1 Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle. Check out the best horse racing betting sites in the UK and their odds!
Stayers Hurdle tips
The Stayers Hurdle, a race steeped in history with equine legends Big Bucks, Inglis Drever, and Thistlecrack etched around the Stayers Hurdle winner trophy, but who will add their name to the list this year?
Last year’s 3rd Teahupoo heads the market at 2/1 after the reception defection of his stablemate Irish Point who now will head to the Champion Hurdle to take on State Man, but is he too shot given he was beaten by Sire Du Berlais and Dashel Drasher, who in their own right would do well to be placed this season.
So I have my reservation about Teahupoo at 2/1, and I will take him on with the Willie Mullins-trained and former Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner Sir Gerhard.
As big as 10/1 with Sky Bet, Sir Gerhard has come back to hurdling mid-way through this season after a failed stint over fences. A win at Punchestown has shown that it was the correct decision, and with the lack of a star in this field, his class could see him to the top and take the 2024 Stayers Hurdle.
Race winner predictions for Stayers Hurdle
Stayers Hurdle prize money
The Queen Mother Champion Chase prize money is set at £345,607.26, with the winner receiving £197,695.65. Here's how the total breaks down:
- 1st £197,695.65
- 2nd £74,482.81
- 3rd £37,276.54
- 4th £18,620.70
- 5th £9,345.48
- 6th £4,672.74
- 7th £2,318.80
- 8th £1,194.54
Stayers Hurdle jockey overview
When you look into who has won a Grade 1 on the grandest stage of them all when it comes to the potential jockeys who will be contesting the Stayers Hurdle, there are few and far between when you take Paul Townend, Jack Kennedy, and Mark Walsh out of the picture.
But is this a bad thing for backers of Paisley Park, Dashel Drasher, or even Noble Yeats? Well no to be quite frank. Sean Bowen who is likely to partner Noble Yeats is sitting second in the UK jockey championship and is a horseman who I think the world of, and the same can go for Tom Bellamy who has done nothing wrong since taking over the riding of Paisley Park from the injured Aidan Coleman.
When it comes to staying races like this, yes it is always a plus to have the best on your horse, but there is no shortage of talented jockeys when it comes to Grade 1 races at the Cheltenham Festival.
Stayers Hurdle trainer overview
Gordon Elliott holds the ace here with last year's winner Sire Du Berlais and current 2/1 favourite Teahupoo, followed closely by the master of Closutton, Willie Mullins who is likely to saddle two runners.
But the story of the Stayers Hurdle would be, if the old boy himself, Paisley Park called upon the afterburners one more time and came with his signature late rattle up the Cheltenham hill…and we all know, Cheltenham loves a story.
Stayers Hurdle previous winners
Turners Novices’ Chase tips
To me, the Turners Novices’ Chase has become one of the more interesting races at this year's Cheltenham Festival. We have Facile Vega, Grey Dawning, Ginny's Destiny, and last season's Martin Pipe winner, Iroko all looking set to take each other on.
To me, the two most interesting ones are Facile Vega, and Grey Dawning.
This looks like it is going to be Facile Vegas' target with Gaelic Warrior looking set to take his chance in the Arkle. Has Facile Vega failed to live up to his hype over fences this season? The short answer is yes, but for me, he was never a 2m chaser, and have been hoping for a step up in trip even in his hurdles day, because to me he is not fast.
He has been crying out for a step up in trip all season, and finally, it looks like we are going to get it, and if that is the case I expect to see a massive chance of fortunes to Facile Vegas chasing career.
But, he has a worthy challenger in the shape of the talented, but quirky Grey Dawning.
This big strapping grey has a massive engine but also has his own way of doing things when he hits the front. But with that said, I would be more siding with Facile Vega showing a much-improved performance with the step up in trip followed by Grey Dawning.
Race winner prediction for Turners Novices’ Chase
Pertemps Final tips
Where to start…No seriously, where do we start?
This is a race where anything can happen, and anyone can win, but let's try to narrow it down to two main contenders.
The first one who I like from an each-way standpoint is White Rhino. He ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to races like this; winning course form, lightly raced over this trip and has the experience of running in big fields.
I like how he was ridden last time out to finish 3rd in a Pertemps qualifier at Huntingdon. That race should have him spot on for this, and being unexposed over the trip, White Rhino can play a big part in the finish.
Next on the list has to be the ultra-consistent Gowel Road at 25/1. A horse that you can set your clock on and one that rarely disappoints. He has been in fine form from this season with the highlight being 4½L 4th to the ill-fated Slate Lane, and just in front of him, there is the current Stayers Hurdle second favourite, Crambo.
He’s off 142, but to me is a solid each-way option.
Race winner prediction for the Pertemps Final
Ryanair Chase tips
The way I will call this race comes down to the ground conditions. If the ground is on the good, good/soft then my strong selection will be Banbridge, who is one of very few in this year's renewal that has improvement in him.
But, the ground is going to be key.
If the ground does not go in Banbridge, then to me, the defending champion Envoi Allen is clear on what he has done. Even given his age, Envoi Allen comes to life at the Festival and would be a clear second pick for me.
When you look at what is below him in the betting market you can see why I would be so bullish.
You have Stage Star who won a poor Turners Novices Chase last season, and comes here with it to prove after his last run, Capadano was given a fantastic ride to win a substandard Cotswold Chase, then you are onto Conflated who has trouble staying on his feet, and Fil D’or who to me, should be shorter.
I would leave this bet until as late as possible, because this will hinge on the ground for Banbridge.
Race winner prediction for the Ryanair Chase
Plate Handicap Chase tips
Getting a handle on this race is easier said than done, but I for one will not be jumping on the Crabily train. Now as short as 4/1 for a race as competitive as the Plate Handicap Chase, I can not even consider him as a betting proposition.
One who I do like is Saint Felician at 14/1 for Gordon Elliott.
Back in 2022 he was sent off 9/2f for the Coral Cup, but nothing went right for him in the race, and wasn't seen for nearly two years after.
Has come back this season and got some valuable chasing experience with four runs on ground less than ideal. For a 7yo he has only raced 8 times in his career, and there is so much more to come from him. At 14/1, he is a great each way bet and one to be on the right side of.
Race winner prediction for the Plate Handicap Chase
Mares Novices’ Hurdle tips
This is going to be one of the races of the week. Three top class mares in Brighterdaysahead, Jade De Grugy, and Dysart Enos look set to take to the field and battle it out up the famous Cheltenham hill to be crowned one of the best Mares in training.
Fergal O’Brian has been clever in how he has planned out Dysart Enos’s races as she will come in here without a graded penalty, meaning she will receive 5lb off both Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy. But for me, that will not be enough for her to get to her rivals here.
Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy, to me, are clear on class. They have shown this season what they are capable of, and what may lay ahead for these potential superstar mares.
Hard to split them, yes, but split them we must.
When all is said and done I don't see the step back down in trip a worry for Brighterdaysahead, if anything it might play into her strengths with the pace in the race.
It’s going to be close, but I have Brigtherdaysahead pulling away at the finish from Jade De Grugy.
Race winner prediction for Mares Novices’ Hurdle
Kim Muir Challenge Cup tips
A great chance for an amature to end day 3 of the festival on a high, and I think we will see another trained Irish winner here, but not with who you might think.
Ever since Gavin Cromwell has ruled out Perceval Legalloi, punters have latched onto Inothewayurthinking and you can see why. But I believe that Henry de Bromhead might well be walking away with another Cheltenham Festival winner in Whacker Clan at 12/1.
An impressive winner at the October meeting from the front, Whacker Clan has been put away with a crack at the Kim Muir in mind. He had a nice prep back over hurdles at the end of February which would have put him spot on for this. I love horses who are up with the pace in races such as this as they are out of the way of any potential carnage that may occur in behind, and receiving 14lb from Inothewayurthinking is a massive plus.
A potential banger could lie with last year's winner Angles Dawn.
At the prices he is a great each way bet, because at worst, he will place.
Race winner prediction for the Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Meet our horse racing expert
For anyone who doesn’t know me, my name is Andrew Halligan, the founding member of The Finishing Line Podcast on YouTube. Horse racing to me is more than betting, it's the ride it takes you on mentally and emotionally, from finding the next superstar to decoding the festival handicaps.
I am known for my no-nonsense approach to horse racing betting where I use methods that are unique to me to try to beat the bookies and help you make your gambling experience an enjoyable one, but more importantly, a profitable one.
No stone will be left unturned to find you the next winner, in our quest to beat the bookies at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
Andrew Halligan
About Cheltenham Festival 2024
The atmosphere for day two of the Cheltenham Festival will be electric as we witness the best 2m Chasers in the world take each other on to be crowned the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner.
As I said previously in our Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Tips we are so lucky that we have Cheltenham every year. The pinnacle of jumps racing, the best take on the best, and only one can make their way back into the amphitheater that is the Cheltenham Festival winner's enclosure.
Old scores are settled, and now new rivalries are forged.
How to bet on Cheltenham day 3 races
Here's a quick overview on how to place an online bet on Cheltenham.
- Choose an online bookmaker from our top list.
- of the website or app.
- Select the “Cheltenham Festival” tab.
- Select the race you want to bet on and choose your preferred horse(s).
- Choose the type of bet you want to place: Win, each-way, or other available markets.
- Enter the stake amount and review your betting slip.
- Click place bet.
How to watch Cheltenham Festival day 3
There are many ways to watch the Cheltenham Festival 2024 and listed below are where you can watch every race.
- Online - If you place a bet through an online bookmaker's app/website, odds are you'll be able to watch the race you've bet on. In fact, with some bookmakers, just having an account there is enough - you don't have to bet at all, just watch!
- Free to air - ITV will show the first 5 races and then coverage will switch to ITV4. You can also watch coverage on the ITV Player.
- Subscription - Racing TV members will not miss a hoof beat as Racing TV will cover all races.
- In-shop - You can watch every race on day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival at your local bookmaker.
Other race previews and Cheltenham tips
- Cheltenham Day 4 tips and races preview
FAQ about Cheltenham day 3 tips and previews
Below we have some of the most asked FAQs around the Cheltenham Festival, and we aim to point you in the right direction to make your Cheltenham and betting experience a good one.
1. Which bookmakers are offering the best promotions or bonuses for Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival?
At the top of this article, you can find a list of reliable UK bookies that have the best Cheltenham Festival bonuses you can use to place your bets and follow the tips I've outlined above.
2. What’s the best way for beginners to use the Cheltenham tips betting?
Learning how to bet on Cheltenham is something many new punters face in March. You'll have to compare odds for the many contenders eligible for betting in Thursday's races. My tips will serve as your guide, too.
3. What’s the best day of the Cheltenham Festival?
Every day at Cheltenham is exciting, but people tend to look forward to Tuesday, when the action starts, and Friday, when the Gold Cup is run.
Andrew Halligan
My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube's The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you're a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.
You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).
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- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
