The Thursday of the four-day Cheltenham Festival is another relative feast of top-class National Hunt racing to be run on the new course for the first time at this meeting. The feature race is the Ryanair Chase which caters for those that need further than the Champion Chase trip of two miles but don’t necessarily stay the 3 miles and 2 furlongs of the Gold Cup and features last year’s victor Envoi Allen taking on fellow Irish trained runner Banbridge amongst others.
It’s backed up by the premier 3-mile hurdle race of the season in the Stayers Hurdle with Sire Du Berlais attempting to follow up last year’s victory plus Flooring Porter a possible to regain his 2021 & 2022 crown, the intermediate trip novice chase the Turners Novices’ Chase plus the relatively new race the Mares Novices’ Hurdle in which Willie Mullins has an exceptional record in.
Three competitive handicaps. which will take some untangling, the Pertemps Network Final, TrustATrader Plate and the day’s finale the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase complete the seven races.
At the time of writing, the 48-hour declarations for the third day’s races at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival are still pending. However, we’ve chosen the horses we recommend shortlisting for each race during this thrilling third day of racing. Be sure to visit Punters Lounge every day throughout the festival for the best Cheltenham tips and our expert horse racing insights.
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13:30 – Turners Novices’ Chase
The Turners Novices’ Chase is a Grade 1 chase run over a distance of 2 miles, 3 furlongs, and 168 yards on the new course. The race is open to novice chasers aged five years or older and appeals to those who may find the distance of the Arkle Novices’ Chase of two miles on the sharp side and the 3M distance of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase stretching their stamina.
The race has only been run since 2011 with Willie Mullins the leading trainer in the race with four victories. Nine of the 13 winners have been trained in Ireland although the home team appear to have a solid chance of keeping the race at home this season.
Ginny’s Destiny
Current joint ante-post favourite is Paul Nicholls’s Ginny’s Destiny who is looking to win a race that Nicholls won last year with Stage Star and comes into the race with very similar credentials. Since joining Nicholls (from Tom Lacey) he has won three of his four starts over fences with all three coming here (twice on the new course and once on the old track). He took the novices’ handicap chase at the trial meeting in January which Stage Star took last year before winning here. He has a solid chance.
Grey Dawning
Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning was beaten three-quarters of a length by Ginny’s Destiny over course and distance in December and on 3lb better terms and having impressively won at Warwick since would be a big danger if taking up this engagement (he also has an entry in the longer Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase).
Iroko
Iroko is a very interesting runner having won the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Festival last year for handlers Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero. He made a scintillating chase debut success at Warwick in November, after which it was stated he would miss the rest of the season with an injury. Surprisingly he’s been given an entry here but as useful as he may be surely this is a race too far following a major setback and the lack of chasing experience.
Gaelic Warrior
Willie Mullins, as one would expect has several entered with possibly Gaelic Warrior the pick if taking this engagement up. Runner up over hurdles in the Ballymore last year he looked very smart when bolting up in his first two novice chases this season but was terribly disappointing when unseating when well beaten in a match at the Dublin Racing Festival in January. He tends to jump out to the right which could be his Achilles heel here at this left-handed track.
Mullins’s other entries Fact To File and Facile Vega would have definite claims if taking up this engagement but both have entries in both the Arkle Chase and the Brown Advisory and are likely to run in one of those.
Turners Novices’ Chase Ante-Post Odds
Grey Dawning 3/1, Ginny’s Destiny 3/1, Facile Vega 9/2, Iroko 11/2, Gaelic Warrior 7/1, Fact To File 10/1, and 16/1 bar.
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14:10 – Pertemps Network Final
The Pertemps Network Final is a Premier Handicap Hurdle run over a distance of 2 miles, 7 furlongs and 213 yards of the new course. Runners here have to have qualified over a series of qualifiers throughout the season held in both Britain and Ireland in which they would have had to have finished in the first four.
The race was first run in 1974 with its latest sponsor Pertemps having been at the helm since 2002. Willie Wumpkins won the race for a record three times on the bounce between 1979-1981.
Gaoth Chuil
As always this year’s renewal has a very open look about it with Ted Walsh’s Gaoth Chuil currently a standout in the ante-post market. He was runner-up in the Leopardstown qualifier won by Maxxum in February and that particular qualifier has proved a good source of finding the winner over the years with six of the last 8 winners having run in it. He would have to be on the shortlist.
Cleatus Poolaw
Gordon Elliot has an excellent record in the race having won three of the last 6 renewals so anything he runs has to be given plenty of respect. His Cleatus Poolaw may be the pick of team Elliotts having finished runner-up in the Naas qualifier in February.
Springwell Bay
Jonjo O’Neill’s Springwell Bay was runner-up to Curley Finger (won since) in the Musselburgh qualifier and if lining up here (he also has a Coral Cup entry) can run well as he stays so well.
Others who are worthy of a mention in this big field handicap hurdle are Oliver Greenall & Josh Guierrio’s White Rhino, a course and distance winner in December and Melanie Rowley’s Kyntara who has a nice low weight and could be an outsider who could run well especially if the ground rides soft as he’s a stout stayer.
The race is all about stamina and you’re going to need to stay every yard of the trip which will suit the Nicky Henderson-trained Mill Green who was a fine third last year and returns off of a handicap mark only 2lb higher.
At present it looks like an open contest with the bookmakers betting 8/1 the field and no doubt plenty of additional places on offer following the final declarations.
Pertemps Network Final Ante-Post Odds
Cleatus Poolaw 8/1, Chantry House 9/1, Gaoth Chuil 9/1, Icare Allen 10/1, Springwell Bay 14/1, White Rhino 14/1, and 14/1 bar.
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14:50 – Ryanair Chase
The Ryanair Chase is one of the two feature races on day three (alongside the Stayers Hurdle) and is a Grade 1 contest run over a distance of 2 miles, 4 furlongs and 127 yards of the new course. The race attracts those who find the half-a-mile shorter Queen Mother Champion Chase on the short side and the Gold Cup stretching their stamina.
The race was added to the schedule back in 2005 when the meeting was extended to four days.
Willie Mullins has won the race five times with both Allaho and Albertas Run winning the race twice.
Banbridge
Banbridge, trained in Ireland by Joseph O’Brien is a leading name in the market having impressed when winning impressively at Kempton last time from subsequent Ascot winner Pic D’Orhy and is a major player although very soft ground would be a negative and in that scenario may not even run.
Envoi Allen
Envoi Allen represents Henry De Bromhead and in contrast to Banbridge will love the soft ground. He took this race last year from Shishkin and having finished runner-up to Gerri Colombe back in November, when last seen over three miles must be a player back over his most suitable distance.
Stage Star
The main hope of the home team is last season’s Turners Novices’ Chase winner Stage Star. He looked all class when taking the Paddy Power Gold Cup over course and distance the first time out this season under a big weight although does have to put a poor run in another handicap here on New Year’s Day behind him. He’s officially the highest-rated horse in the field.
Hitman
Nicholls will also run Hitman who appeared to be running back into form last time when third at Newbury and having placed in this race last year is one of the more likely outsiders who could outrun his odds.
Fugitif
Another outsider who rides this track so well is Richard Hobson’s Fugitif. He officially only has 9lb to find with the principals and back up to his optimum trip having trialled for this over the minimum trip at Newbury could be a lively outsider.
Seventeen of the last 19 winners were in the top three of the betting showing that this isn’t a race for the outsider’s mind.
Ryanair Chase Ante-Post Odds
Allaho 2/1, Banbridge 10/3, Envoi Allen 7/2, Stage Star 9/2, Jonbon 6/1, Capodanno 7/1, Conflated 8/1, Fil Dor 10/1, and 16/1 bar.
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15:30 – Stayers’ Hurdle
The Stayers’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 hurdle run over a distance of 2 miles, 7 furlongs and 213 yards of the new course. It is for the best staying hurdlers from Britain and Ireland with the winner holding court as the best staying hurdler around.
It was first run in 2012 with Paul Nicholls the leading trainer in the race with four victories which all came between 2009 and 2012 with one of the best stayers of all time in Big Bucks.
Teahupoo
Five of the last 7 winners were trained in Ireland and they hold several with decent chances this year. The current ante-post favourite is Gordon Elliot’s Teahupoo who is officially rated the highest in the contest. He went off 9/4 favourite last year when finishing third, beaten just under a length and teed up for this with victory in the Hattons Grace Hurdle in early December at Fairyhouse over 2M 4F. This is more his trip and looks like a major player to go two better than last year. He prefers it very soft.
Irish Point
Elliot also has Irish Point entered who ran out an impressive winner last time out, when stepping up to this sort of trip for the first time, in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s won his last four now and would also be a major player if taking up this engagement. However, there is talk that he may drop down in trip and run in the Champion Hurdle which may make sense as he’s in the same ownership as favourite Teahupoo.
Sire Du Berlais
Last year’s winner Sire Du Berlais comes alive at this time of the year and although now twelve could outrun his odds and is never one to dismiss.
Noble Yeats
Other Irish entries that have chances include former 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats, who took the scalp of Paisley Park last time out in the Cleeve Hurdle here at the Trials meeting in January whilst Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter won the 2021 and 2022 renewal (and was fourth last year). He’s been chasing this season and has a great record at this track which reads 1141 and if turning up here (he’s entered in the 3m 6F NH Chase over fences) would, without doubt, have plenty of support.
Crambo
The best of the home team is likely to be Fergal O’Brien’s Crambo. O’Brien is looking for his first-ever winner at the Festival and in this seven-year-old, he may well have the ideal type. He stepped up into the top grade when defeating Paisley Park in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot before Christmas and only has 4lb on official ratings to find with the top rated. There is only 9lb between the current top ten in the ante-post betting and this looks like an open enough race.
Stayers’ Hurdle Ante-Post Odds
Teahupoo 9/4, Crambo 11/2, Irish Point 6/1, Impaire Et Passe 8/1, Noble Yeats 9/1, Flooring Porter 10/1, and 16/1 bar.
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16:10 – TrustATrader Plate
The TrustAtrader Plate is a Premier Handicap Chase run over a distance of 2 miles, 4 furlongs and 127 yards of the new course. First run in 1951 it is always a highly competitive handicap in which novices do extremely well in. The leading trainers with four winners apiece are Bobby Renton, Nicky Henderson and Martin Pipe.
There is likely to be a maximum field of 24 for the race and although competitive we do have a rather warm favourite this time around in the shape of Jonjo O’Neil’s Crebilly. J P McManus’s seven-year-old will only be having his fourth run over fences here but has shown more than enough to suggest he could be well handicapped here from the bottom of the handicap.
Theatre Man
Richard Bandey’s Theatre Man was runner-up to Turners Novices’ Chase hopeful Ginny’s Destiny over course and distance on trials day and if taking up this engagement (he also has an entry in the longer Ultima Handicap Chase) would have a decent chance.
Madra
Dublin Racing Festival winner Madra is still on the upgrade and if Sophie Leech’s charge runs here in preference to his other entry in the Grand Annual Chase will certainly have his supporters.
Letsbeclearaboutit
The Irish will no doubt have a few chances with Gavin Cromwell’s Letsbeclearaboutit one that stands out. Already a Grade 2 winner, this novice merits plenty of respect if taking up his entry.
Saint Felicien
Gordon Elliott also has chances with novice Saint Felicien who will be making his handicap debut here should he turn up.
Crebilly
An open handicap with favourite Crebilly having been well supported from around the 10/1 mark into his current odds of 4/1 the one they all have to beat.
TrustATrader Plate Ante-Post Odds
Crebilly 4/1, Theatre Man 7/1, Heart Wood 10/1, So Scottish 10/1, Mister Policeman 10/1, and 14/1 bar.
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16:50 – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is a Grade 2 novice hurdle for mares run over a distance of 2 miles and 179 yards on the new course. The race was first run in 2016 when the meeting was extended to 28 races with Ireland winning six of the 8 renewals so far. Willie Mullins taking five of those for the Emerald Isle. This year’s renewal looks like a cracker with three potentially smart mares facing off.
Brighterdaysahead
Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead has been well talked up by his trainer in the weeks leading up to the race and it’s easy to see why as she is unbeaten in five starts, two bumpers and three novice events. She oozed class when breezing to victory at Navan last time and although she has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for that victory as it was a listed contest looks sure to be involved in the finish.
Jade De Grugy
Willie Mullins has an excellent record in the race and his main hope appears to be Jade De Grugy who’s also unbeaten and was a 6 1/2L winner of a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse last time out. She also has to carry a 5lb penalty.
It may not be just about the two Irish mares mind as Fergal O’Brien saddles his unbeaten mare Dysart Enos who’s six from six under rules including three easy victories over hurdles at cramped odds this season. Unlike her two Irish rivals, she doesn’t have a penalty here and that could be vital as they jump the last.
Golden Ace
Jeremy Scott also has a very nice mare in the shape of Golden Ace who’s been very impressive in two victories at Taunton over hurdles although she was firmly put in her place by Dysrat Enos in a bumper at Aintree last year.
Joyeuse
A dark horse in the race is J P McManus’s, Nicky Henderson trained Joyeuse who looked a smart prospect when winning at Taunton on her British debut in January. As promising as she is though she will need to step up dramatically to play a hand in the finish. A cracking race that should fall to one of the top three in the betting.
Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Ante-Post Odds
Brighterdaysahead 13/8, Jade De Grugy 5/2, Dysart Enos 9/2, Golden Ace 12/1, and 20/1 bar.
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17:30 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is a Handicap Chase for amateur riders run over a distance of 3 miles and 2 furlongs of the new course. First run in 1946 it is named in memory of trainer Fulke Walwyn whose 211 wins at Cheltenham included 40 at the Festival.
The race is one of just three at the Festival open only to amateur riders with the other two being the Hunters Chase and the NH Chase.
Inothewayuthinkin
The best backed over the past week and now at the front of the betting is Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayuthinkin, a novice owned by J P McManus who will have to shoulder the top weight of twelve stone if taking up this engagement, he’s also in the Ultima but the recent market move suggests this is where he’ll run.
Perceval Legallois
Cromwell and McManus also have fellow novice Perceval Legallois just a pound under his stable companion. He was unlucky last time out at Leopardstown but it remains to be seen if he runs here.
Good Time Jonny
Last year’s Pertemps Handicap Hurdle winner Good Time Jonny represents the shrewd Tony Martin. He gets in here off of the same handicap mark as that race and although he’s yet to sparkle over the bigger obstacles is an interesting runner, especially if the money comes for him.
Angels Dawn
Last year’s winner Angels Dawn, trained in Ireland by Sam Curling is likely to attempt to win back-to-back races but he is now 11lb higher than last year so has more to do.
Forward Plan
Forward Plan won the valuable Coral Trophy Handicap Chase at Kempton last month showing a fine turn of foot over the last and has only been raised 3lb for that victory. Anthony Honeyball’s charge appeals each way as an outsider.
Quickdraw
Another horse at a nice price who could run well is Nicky Henderson’s Quickdraw. A winner of two of his three starts this season, he was involved in the Constitution Hill racecourse gallop at Kempton in which he finished alongside Triumph Hurdle favourite Sir Gino. Available at 40/1 at the time he’s now half those odds and could still be value.
The jockeys are very important in a race like this that is restricted to amateur riders so a close eye must be kept open for any significant jockey bookings for the more senior and experienced amateurs.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Ante-Post Odds
Inothewayuthinkin 4/1, Good Time Jonny 7/1, Angels Dawn 9/1, Cool Survivor 9/1, Meetingofthewaters 9/1, and 14/1 bar.
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The Brigadier’s Final Thoughts
A day’s racing packed with some classy participants from both sides of the Irish Sea. The Ryanair Chase may well boil down to the state of the ground on the day with last year’s victor Envoi Allen needing soft ground whilst Banbridge would prefer it a lot faster. The Stayers Hurdle has an open look about it with many holding chances.
The day’s opener could well be one back for Britain with Ginny’s Destiny and Grey Dawning (if taking up this entry) holding big chances whilst the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle looks a cracker with the front two from Ireland both top prospects.
The remaining three races are the handicaps and as always with likely big fields could well provide plenty of thrills and spills. An excellent day’s racing but please remember to gamble responsibly.
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All odds are correct with Bet365 at the time of writing.
