For day three of The Festival™ presented by Magners, action switches to the New Course. The New Course will also be in use for the fourth and final day of The Festival tomorrow, Friday, 13 March.

 

Following two millimetres of rain overnight, the going on both the chase and hurdle courses is SOFT, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES.

 

Showers are possible this morning, followed by an overcast day, with sunny spells and temperatures of approximately nine degrees Celsius. Friday is forecast to be dry.

 

Simon Claisse, Regional Head Of Racing, Jockey Club Racecourses South West and Clerk Of The Course at Cheltenham, said: "After a little rain overnight, the sun is now out at Prestbury Park as we begin day three of The Festival™ presented by Magners.

 

"The going on the chase and hurdle courses, is Soft, Good To Soft In Places.

 

"Gates open at 10.30am with the first race due off at 1.30pm. The feature race is the G1 Ryanair Chase, and we are also looking forward to Paisley Park in the G1 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.

 

"We look forward to another afternoon of extraordinary sport."

 

All chase bends on the round course have been dolled out six yards, adding 38 yards per circuit.

 

This adds the extra distance below to today's chases:

1.30pm G1 Marsh Novices' Chase 2m 3f 168y +38 yards (approximately)

2.50pm G1 Ryanair Chase 2m 4f 127y +38 yards (approximately)

4.10pm G3 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 2m 4f 127y +38 yards (approximately)

5.30pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase 3m 2f +76 yards (approximately)

 

10 Ami Desbois (FR) (Self Certificate, Bruised Foot)