Cheltenham day three: Hold on to your hats

A woman in a black and white checked jacket holds her long blonde hair in place as her black hat flies off in windy conditions at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. In front of her a young man in a dark green suit and with short brown hair smiles as the wind turns his black umbrella inside outPA Media

Blustery conditions kicked off day three at the festival

Day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival began with racegoers having to cope with strong winds as they arrived at the course.

The day has been branded "St Patrick's Thursday" with a strong Irish theme and the punters' focus on the much-anticipated Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.

Organisers will be hoping for a quieter day after the death of a second horse at this year's event and a racism row threatened to overshadow the racing itself.

Meanwhile former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been speaking about his hopes for his horse Jukebox Man in the Gold Cup on Friday.

A racing fan at Cheltenham 2026 poses holding up a light green scarf. He is wearing a jack covered in Irish logos such as shamrocks and leprechaun hats. He is also wearing a light green capPA Media

Irish racing fans were once again a large part of the crowd

Four women in smart outfits stand in a line and smile for the camera at the start of day three of the Cheltenham Festival. All four have long blonde hair and are wearing hatsPA Media

The weather has not dampened the spirits of these ticket holders

Two young women smile as they walk into the course for day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. One has long blonde hair and is carrying a black umbrella. The other is wearing a dark brown wide-brimmed hat and a beige jacket with a check pattern on the lapelsPA Media

Wind and rain welcomed racegoers to the course at the start of day three

Actor Danny Dyer, wearing a dark grey jacket and waistcoat with a white shirt and light orange tie, holds his arms wide as he poses for photographers at Cheltenham Festival 2026PA Media
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, wearing a grey suit, smiles as he embraces a man, who is facing away from the camera, on day three of the Cheltenham FestivalPA Media

Celebrities such as actor Danny Dyer and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson were among the VIP guests for day three at Cheltenham.

A dark brown horse rolls in a patch of sand ahead of day three at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. In the background the jumps of the main course are visible. A jockey in a dark jacket and riding hat is holding the horse via its reinsPA Media

There was time for a roll in the sand for one horse before the action began

A group of about 12 horses ride in a line on the gallops at Cheltenham before day three of the festival. Their riders are all in plain dark jackets. A hill covered in trees is visible in the backgroundPA Media

Horses from Willie Mullins' stable on the gallops before day three

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