Cheltenham Horse Racing Betting Tips: 13 March 2026

Introduction – a different kind of Thursday

Some days at Cheltenham are about pageantry; others are about pure graft. St Patrick’s Thursday, 12 March 2026, sits somewhere in the middle. The Guinness will be flowing, the emerald flags will be waving and, you know what, the racing itself might be the most compelling we’ll see all week. Recent winners have ranged from rising stars to battle‑scarred warriors, and there’s a sense this year’s card could deliver similar fireworks. Throughout this article I’ll toss in the odd anecdote, reference to form and even point you towards handy resources like our betting tips hub and bonuses page so you’re better armed when the tapes go up.

1:20 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle: the young guns

The opener on day three is the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle over two miles. Willie Mullins dominates this race and turns up again with a battalion of lightly raced fillies. Form figures suggest his Bambino Fever has thrived on good to soft going this winter and was unlucky not to win a Grade 1 last time. Behind her, Oldschool Outlaw has been consistent at Listed level and appears to relish a stiff finish. The British hope might be St Irene, who found only feet of a dancer too good at Doncaster and will appreciate drying ground.

• Tip: Back Mullins’ leading mare to make class tell – she jumps slickly and has form on the track.

2:00 – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: a real puzzle

The Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase is a mouthful and a minefield. Last year it took near‑Grade 1 ability to prevail and punters will look to the Irish raiders again. Regent’s Stroll is unexposed and boasts a fluent jumping style that saw him chase home a star at Punchestown. Henry de Bromhead’s Koktail Divin has been campaigned carefully, winning impressively at Leopardstown and being kept fresh for this test. Meanwhile Meetmebythesea is no slouch, staying on stoutly in heavy ground at Limerick.

• Tip: Fancy a value shout? Koktail Divin’s tactical speed and slick fencing make him the one to side with in this competitive heat.

2:40 – Mares’ Hurdle: is this Wodhooh’s year?

The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle has moved to Thursday and that shake‑up could suit Nicky Henderson’s mare Wodhooh, who bypassed the Champion Hurdle and arrives fresh. Expert analysts reckon she holds a clear chance because several of her top rivals have either been rerouted or underwhelmed. Lossiemouth might still run here despite talk of stepping up in trip, but the ground could be lively enough to blunt her finish. Keep an eye on Dream On Baby, a late improver whose strong run at Doncaster hints at more to come.

• Tip: Wodhooh’s turn of foot could prove decisive; back her to justify favouritism as her trainer seeks another Festival first.

3:20 – Stayers’ Hurdle: old hands vs young legs

The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle remains the highlight of the day. It pits seasoned campaigners against upstart stayers. Last year’s winner Bob Olinger has been rejuvenated since switching to long distances and relishes Cheltenham’s undulations. The main danger is Teahupoo, a brilliant mudlark who dominated early season Grade 1s but has occasionally looked vulnerable off a fast pace. Then there’s Kabral Du Mathan, the French import who looked like a world‑beater at Auteuil and has been lined up for this for months. Ground and stamina will dictate the outcome, and staying power often trumps flair in this marathon.

• Tip: Bob Olinger has the course form and a touch of class; he’s the one to beat, though Teahupoo will keep him honest if the heavens open.

4:00 – Ryanair Chase: when speed meets stamina

Fresh from an Irish Gold Cup triumph, Fact To File looks to cement his reputation in the Ryanair Chase. His combination of stamina and tactical pace makes him the benchmark. Jonbon was outbattled at Sandown but remains a potent threat when allowed to dominate; dropping back in trip could see him galvanised. There’s also Impaire Et Passe, a horse whose engine is bigger than his form suggests and who has been crying out for an intermediate trip. A dark horse could be Banbridge, quietly campaigned by Joseph O’Brien and a winner at the Festival two years ago.

• Tip: Fact To File has looked different class all season; side with him to see off the enigmatic Jonbon.

4:40 – Pertemps Network Final: where handicappers dream

This year’s Pertemps Final is a giant handicap hurdle where stories abound. British eyes will be on C’est Different, the progressive youngster who glided through his qualifier and still lurks on a fair mark. However, Irish trainer Emmet Mullins has a pair of aces: Minella Emperor was second in a Haydock qualifier and could be dangerously well‑treated; Melbourne Shamrock is another improver who might appreciate the first‑time blinkers. Watch out too for Bold Endeavour, a hardy horse returning to the Festival off a falling mark after catching the eye in a recent run.

• Tip: Minella Emperor ticks the boxes of form, weight and trainer; back him each‑way and hope he sneaks through late.

5:20 – Kim Muir Challenge Cup: amateurs’ big moment

Day three closes with the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, a three‑mile‑plus handicap chase restricted to amateur riders. Historically, Ireland has dominated with seven winners in the last decade, and the race has thrown up future Grand National heroes like Ballabriggs and Cause Of Causes. Jeriko Du Reponet has Festival form, though his best work has come over hurdles. Waterford Whispers is an unexposed chaser with a turn of foot, while Kim Roque could go well at a price having been plotted for this for months. Beware that winners of this race often struggle next time out, so savour the moment.

• Tip: Siding with an Irish-trained runner has paid off in recent renewals; the unexposed Waterford Whispers fits the profile of a progressive sort who stays forever.

Final thoughts: embrace the chaos

Cheltenham’s Thursday card is a beautiful blend of potential and proven class. From novices taking their first leap into open company to seasoned stayers slugging it out up the hill, there’s something for every punter. If you fancy broadening your horizons beyond racing, check out our sport betting guide or browse the bookmakers comparison to find a new platform. Whatever you back on St Patrick’s Thursday, remember that Cheltenham has a habit of producing the unexpected. That unpredictability – the “couldn’t possibly… but maybe” moments – is precisely why we love this game. Good luck, enjoy the craic and may your betting slip tell a story you’ll be retelling for years to come.