Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Results, winners and latest updates

It was a case of mission complete in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle as Good Time Jonny stormed to Cheltenham Festival success.

The money had been coming for the eight-year-old building up to the meeting and he was sent off at 9-1 as the tapes went up. Given a brave steer by Liam McKenna up the inner, Good Time Jonny was out the back as the field headed for home. But his young rider held his nerve to pounce late and deliver his mount with precision, returning a three-and-a-quarter-length winning verdict.

It was a fitting reappearance in the Festival winner’s enclosure for Martin, who has proved synonymous with handicap success in the past and was securing his seventh success at the four-day showpiece.

Jeremy Scott felt the decision of the Cheltenham stewards to demote Dashel Drasher to third from second in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle had “pricked his bubble a bit”. Sent off at 40-1, only the French challenger Henri Le Farceur went off a bigger price but Dashel Drasher massively outran market expectations and looked to have everything beaten when jumping the last flight in front.

He drifted slightly to his left on jumping it, and also caused marginal interference after the hurdle to Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo, the 9-4 favourite. Only a nose separated them at the line, with Sire Du Berlais a three-quarters of a length winner, but the stewards felt there was enough interference to reverse the order of the second and third.

Follow all the Day 3 reaction from Cheltenham below, ahead of our Day 4 coverage:

Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Results on Day 3

• Rachael Blackmore provides A Plus Tard update for Gold Cup 2023

• Cheltenham Festival tips: Experts on best bets and 11 horses to watch

• Cheltenham today: Day 3 weather forecast and going

• Cheltenham race card 2023: Festival runners and full schedule

• Stage Star stuns Mighty Potter in Turners Novices Chase

• Good Time Jonny powers through to win the Pertemps Network Final

• Envoi Allen shocks Shishkin to win the Ryanair Chase

• Sire Du Berlais wins the Stayers’ Hurdle at 33/1

• Seddon takes the Magners Plate Handicap Chase

• You Wear It Well claims victory in the Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

• Angels Dawn pips Stumptown at the post to win Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Who won at Cheltenham today?

18:11 , Michael Jones

St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday, March 16

Turners Novices’ Chase - 1.30pm

1. Stage Star - 15/2

2. Notlongtillmay - 40/1

3. Mighty Potter - 4/6

Pertemps Network Final Hurdle - 2.10pm

1. Good Time Jonny - 9/1

2. Salvador Ziggy - 10/1

3. Mill Green - 22/1

Ryanair Chase - 2.50pm

1. Envoi Allen - 13/2

2. Shishkin - 1/1

3. Hitman - 22/1

Stayers’ Hurdle - 3.30pm

1. Sire Du Berlais – 33/1

2. Teahupoo – 9/4

3. Dashel Drasher – 40/1

County Plate Chase - 4.10pm

1. Seddon - 20/1

2. Fugitif - 11/1

3. Shakem Up’arry 16/1

Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle - 4.50pm

1. You Wear It Well - 16/1

2. Magical Zoe - 15/2

3. Halka Du Tabert -12/1

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup - 5.30pm

1. Angels Dawn -10/1

2. Stumptown - 7/2

3. Mr Incredible - 4/1

Cheltenham Festival Day 3

18:05 , Michael Jones

So there’s only one more day left to go at the Cheltenham Festival for 2023. And it’s the big one.

Gold Cup day is coming up tomorrow. Who’s going to triumph?

There are a few contenders with the wins being spread out between the main trainers and some of the smaller teams but this is the one they all want to win.

Will A Plus Tard and Rachael Blackmore regain their title?

Controversy in the Stayers’ Hurdle

18:03 , Michael Jones

Earlier in the day there was a bit of controversy in the Stayers’ Hurdle when the Cheltenham stewards decided to demote Dashel Drasher to third from second.

Going off at 40-1 Dashel Drasher looked set to cause a huge shock going into the final fence but he drifted slightly to his left on jumping, causing marginal interference with 9-4 favourite Teahupoo before only a nose separated them at the line.

Sire De Berlais romped to victory, but the officials felt these was enough interference to change the second and third placings.

"To me I felt if it had happened at any meeting midweek it wouldn’t have been picked up on," said Dashel Drasher’s trainer Jeremy Scott.

"For me the eventual second wasn’t quick enough to go for the gap he wanted, then he was pulled out to go around and have another go.

"I think we’ve been harshly done to, but rules are rules. It did prick our bubble a bit and the £30,000 would have been nice."

Rachael Blackmore provides A Plus Tard update for Gold Cup 2023

17:59 , Michael Jones

Rachael Blackmore is optimistic about her Cheltenham Gold Cup chances with A Plus Tard despite the weather this week.

The Irish jockey looks to defend the title she won in 2022, when A Plus Tard finished in front of Minella Indo and Protektorat and the horse remains popular with tips this week.

There has been rain around Cheltenham racecourse throughout Wednesday and Thurday, but Blackmore remains bullish about her chances on one of racing’s biggest stages after picking up her second win of the week on Envoi Allen.

Rachael Blackmore provides A Plus Tard update for Gold Cup 2023

Cheltenham Festival Day 3

17:46 , Michael Jones

The dark clouds are beginning to close in on the racecourse as Day 3 of Cheltenham comes to a close. It’s been another fantastic day of racing with most of the winners being outside bets.

Good Time Jonny perhaps had the best ride and Rachael Blackmore collected another winner, this time on top of Envoi Allen, which sets everything up nicely for tomorrow’s main event.

Ireland win the Prestbury Cup

17:45 , Michael Jones

It’s another victory for the Irish who have seen off the Brits and won the Prestbury Cup with a full day of racing still to come at the Cheltenham Festival.

Kim Muir Challenge Cup result

17:41 , Michael Jones

1. Angels Dawn -10/1

2. Stumptown - 7/2

3. Mr Incredible - 4/1

4. Dunboyne - 8/1

5. Defi Bleu - 40/1

ANGELS DAWN WINS THE KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP

17:39 , Michael Jones

A tight call between Angels Dawn and Stumptown sees them race neck and neck towards the line but it’s Sam Curling’s Angel Dawn who takes it.

Stumptown pipped on the post with Mr Incredible third and Dunboyne fourth I think.

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup

17:38 , Michael Jones

Angel’s Dawn sweeps through to move into the lead with two to get. Stumptown makes a move too and breezes past the early leaders.

Dunboyne and Mr Incredible get themselves in the mix too.

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup

17:37 , Michael Jones

Royal Thief recovers to move into the the to four near Beauport. Emir Sacree and Dr Kananga both challenge each other for the head of the field.

Dunboyne is hanging in with three to jump.

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup

17:35 , Michael Jones

Defi Bleu replaces Didero Vallis into third as Emir Sacree finds another gust of wind to get up alongside Dr Kananga.

Royal Thief has dropped back after a mistake over the fence.

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup

17:34 , Michael Jones

Mr Incredible is back towards the end of the field as Dr Kananga continues to set the pace in front. Emir Sacree slacked off ever so slightly but Didero Vallis is right up there.

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup

17:32 , Michael Jones

Dr Kananga is running nicely alongside Emir Sacree near the front of the field. Dunboyne doesn’t look massively keen with the pace but keeps up with the main group.

5.30 - Kim Muir Challenge Cup

17:31 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! The final race of Cheltenham Day 3 gets underway.

Who will win the Kim Muir Challenge Cup?

17:27 , Michael Jones

Stumptown has been the favourite to land the Kim Muir Challenge Cup since the weights came out and two wins at Thurles and Sandown have further fuelled confidence of success.

Mr Incredible, a seven-year-old trained by Willie Mullins, is another tipped to impress over the distance, while Anightinlambourn and Dr Kananga are also expected to be in the mix.

Kim Muir Challenge Cup latest odds

17:24 , Michael Jones

Stumptown 9/2

Mr Incredible 11/2

Dunboyne 7/1

Beauport 10/1

Angels Dawn 10/1

Rapper 16/1

Royal Thief 16/1

Dr Kananga 16/1

Fontaine Collonges 18/1

Anightinlambourn 20/1

28/1 BAR – 23 runners

Cheltenham Festival Day 3 race card, runners and full schedule for 2023

17:18 , Michael Jones

Cheltenham Festival saw Rachael Blackmore steer Honeysuckle to an emotional farewell victory on Day 1 before Energumene and Delta Work were among the big-name winners on Day 2.

As well as the Gold Cup, punters will be excited to take on plenty of Grade 1 races this week and the action does not stop with plenty of attractive tips and exciting horses as the festival reaches Day 3.

In what could be a wet week at the festival, British trainers hope to hit back after taking a heavy beating to their Irish counterparts last year, conceding the Prestbury Cup 12 months ago with just 10 wins compared to 18 Irish victories.

The festival provides a massive £274m boost to the local economy, a study from the University of Gloucestershire has found.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival including the full race card and Day 3 schedule for Thursday:

Cheltenham race card 2023: Festival runners and full schedule

One more to go

17:15 , Michael Jones

There is one final race to go on Day 3 at Cheltenham with the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase closing out proceedings.

This one gets going in 15 minutes time.

Cheltenham Festival tips today: Experts on best bets and 11 horses to watch on Day 3

17:12 , Michael Jones

Cheltenham Festival continues Thursday on Day 3 in what has been a thrilling week of racing.

After a glorious ride from Energumene to win the Champion Chase again for Brighton owner Tony Bloom, look out for another packed race card including seven exciting races to showcase the finest in the sport in the Cotswolds before attention turns to Friday’s Gold Cup.

The Irish trainers contiue to shine and will hope to triumph once again after landing the Prestbury Cup 12 months ago with a mighty 18 wins compared to just 10 for British-trained horses.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Cheltenham Festival with tips and best bets to take on Day 3 on Thursday:

Cheltenham race tips today: Experts on best bets and 11 horses to watch in 2023

You Waer It Well wins the Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

17:06 , Michael Jones

Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle result

16:59 , Michael Jones

1. You Wear It Well - 16/1

2. Magical Zoe - 15/2

3. Halka Du Tabert -12/1

4. LucciaNico de Boinville - 6/4

YOU WEAR IT WELL WINS THE JACK DE BROMHEAD MARES NOVICES HURDLE

16:56 , Michael Jones

Magical Zoe’s late drive comes up short as You Wear It Well flies over the line by three lengths. Luccia finishes fourth.

4.50 - Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

16:55 , Michael Jones

You Wear It Well is the clear leader at the last and bombs out in front. What a ride for Gavin Sheehan, Magical Zoe is making a late play but can’t she catch up in the sprint to the line?

4.50 - Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

16:54 , Michael Jones

Princess Zoe and Poetic Music aren’t far away from the front but it’s You Wear It Well still out ahead. Luccia seems to be biding her time under Nico De Boinville, she’s in fourth place.

4.50 - Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

16:53 , Michael Jones

You Wear It Well leads the way over the first few jumps ahead of Luccia. Magical Zoe and Foxy Girl are both over on the outside but there’s a lot of energy being spent getting them closer to the front.

4.50 - Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

16:51 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! Luccia, the favourite, gets away well. Foxy Girl ridden by Rachael Blackmore is towards the back of the field while Magical Zoe is in the middle of the pack.

For Jack

16:48 , Michael Jones

The results so far

16:45 , Michael Jones

Five races down with two to go. Here’s the results so far:

13:30 -Turners Novices’ Chase - Stage Star 15/2

14:10 - Pertemps Network Final - Good Time Jonny 9/1

14:50 - Ryanair Chase - Envoi Allen 13/2

15:30 - Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle - Sire Du Berlais 33/1

16:10 - Magners Plate Handicap Chase - Seddon 20/1

16:50 - Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle

17:30 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase

Harry Redknapp speaking to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra:

16:43 , Michael Jones

Harry Redknapp, who owns Shake Em Up Harry, spoke after his first finished third in the Magners Plate Handicap Chase saying:

“He’s ran a blinder today, a great run and I’m really pleased.

“I’m a bundle of nerves watching races, I worry about the horses. I just want them to come back safe. I love them. As long as they get round I’m happy. If they fall I’m distraught.

“I’ve got some nice horses, I love the sport, it’s my big passion.”

4.50 - Jack De Bromhead Mares Novices Hurdle

16:38 , Michael Jones

Next up is a race which is being run this year in memory of Jack de Bromhead, the 13-year-old son of trainer Henry, who was killed in a pony-racing accident last year.

The De Bromhead stable’s Magical Zoe is a leading contender and what a story it would be if she could win this one.

Seddon wins the Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:34 , Michael Jones

How to watch Cheltenham today

16:31 , Michael Jones

Cheltenham Festival 2023 kicked off on Tuesday and the biggest event on the racing calendar. has delivered some thrilling action already.

Prestbury Park still has two more days of action-packed days of racing, including some exciting horses and tips from the experts as we enter Day 3.

Rachael Blackmore steered Honeysuckle to a fairytale and highly emotional victory in the Mares’ Hurdle on Day 1, on her final career start for Henry de Bromhead, before Energumene and Delta Work were among the big-name winners on Day 2 and there is plenty of exciting racing on Thursday’s packed race card.

Here’s everything you need to know about watching the Cheltenham Festival:

Where to watch Cheltenham Festival 2023 after ITV coverage ends

Magners Plate Handicap Chase updated result

16:25 , Michael Jones

1. Seddon - 20/1

2. Fugitif - 11/1

3. Shakem Up’arry 16/1

4. Gevrey - 125/1

5. Haut En Couleurs - 15/2

Magners Plate Handicap Chase result

16:22 , Michael Jones

1. Seddon - 20/1

2. Fugitif - 11/1

The first two places are clear but it looks like another enquiry will be needed to separate third and fourth.

SEDDON WINS THE MAGNERS PLATE HANDICAP CHASE!

16:20 , Michael Jones

That’s a wonderful victory for Seddon who had enough in the tank to hold Fugitif at bay after the final fence. He was tracking the front throughout the course and pushed ahead and the ideal time.

4.10pm - Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:18 , Michael Jones

Coole Cody and Seddon are alongside each other as they leap over the second last. The field starts to push up now. Half a dozen horses could win this one.

One to jump, Fugitif makes strides to the front.

4.10pm - Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:17 , Michael Jones

Seddon is secure in second place as Datsalrightgino and So Scottish start manoeuvre themselves into positions slightly closer to the front.

Coole Cody still leads the way but War Lord pulls up at the back.

4.10pm - Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:15 , Michael Jones

Coole Cody is comfortable at the head of the field. So Scottish sits about fourth or fifth as it stands with 11 fences to go.

The pace isn’t rapid and the field is clustered together.

4.10pm - Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:14 , Michael Jones

Coole Cody heads off in the lead and holds the position over the third fence. Midnight River and War Lord are placed in the middle of the field.

4.10pm - Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:13 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! The final race of ITV’s Day 3 coverage gets underway and it’s another stacked field. Datsalrightgino and So Scottish are the two most backed to and set off at 5/1 but this has been a day for the outsiders.

Dan Skelton’s Midnight River may have a good chance.

4.10pm - Magners Plate Handicap Chase

16:12 , Michael Jones

False start! The field are driving towards the tape having started miles away from the starting point. There’ll be a delay now while this gets sorted.

Winning owner JP McManus, speaking after 33-1 shot Sire Du Berlais’s win

16:04 , Michael Jones

“I thought he had a chance, he ran very well at Navan last time. He gave a lot of weight away and ran well at the end, I thought he deserved a chance.

“I’ve not had many which have won at a big price, but this one went unbacked. We will enjoy just the same!”

Steward’s Enquiry for the Stayers’ Hurdle

16:00 , Michael Jones

There’s been a Steward’s Enquiry over the places in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Second and third have been switched meaning Dashel Drasher finishes behind Teahupoo.

Sire Du Berlais wins the Stayers’ Hurdle

15:58 , Michael Jones

Reaction from winning jockey Mark Walsh

15:54 , Michael Jones

“I was in a rush to get back, with all the help from the physios and doctors. I fractured a vertebrae in my neck. He loves Cheltenham.

“Once he got up the hill, he stuck his head out and got it.”

Rachael Blackmore provides A Plus Tard update for Gold Cup 2023

15:52 , Michael Jones

Rachael Blackmore is optimistic about her Cheltenham Gold Cup chances with A Plus Tard despite the weather this week.

The Irish jockey looks to defend the title she won in 2022, when A Plus Tard finished in front of Minella Indo and Protektorat and the horse remains popular with tips this week.

There has been rain around Cheltenham racecourse throughout Wednesday and Thurday, but Blackmore remains bullish about her chances on one of racing’s biggest stages after picking up her second win of the week on Envoi Allen.

Rachael Blackmore provides A Plus Tard update for Gold Cup 2023

Sire Du Berlais wins the Stayers’ Hurdle

15:48 , Michael Jones

Stayers Hurdle result

15:44 , Michael Jones

1. Sire Du Berlais - 33/1

2. Dashel Drasher - 40/1

3. Teahupoo - 9/4

4. Flooring Porter - 9/2

Sire Du Berlais wins the Stayers’ Hurdle

15:40 , Michael Jones

There’s no doubt who won the race but second and third will be going to a photo finish. Dashel Drasher and Teachupoo were neck and neck at the line.

It seems as though Dashel Drasher has just nicked second place.

SIRE DU BERLAIS WINS THE STAYERS’ HURDLE

15:38 , Michael Jones

Dashel Drasher leaps over the last in the lead but Sire Du Berlais is right with him and Teahupoo moving late. A sprint to the finish sees Sire Du Berlais head out wide and kick ahead of Dashel Drasher.

Teachupoo doesn’t have the legs and Sire Du Berlais crosses the line at 33/1.

3.30 - Stayers’ Hurdle

15:36 , Michael Jones

Home By The Lee gets back in touch of the leader, Flooring Porter. The leap over the second to last hurdle with Dashel Drasher and Blazing Khal making their moves up.

3.30 - Stayers’ Hurdle

15:34 , Michael Jones

A mistake from Home By The Lee sees him hit the seventh from home hurdle and drops him back into the chasing pack. There’s time to recover from that though.

Flooring Porter continues to pull ahead at the front of the field. Klassical Dream awkwardly gets over the next hurdle and may have been distracted by the mistake from Home By The Lee.

3.30 - Stayers’ Hurdle

15:33 , Michael Jones

Flooring Porter opens up a lead of two lengths over Dashel Drasher. Home By The Lee is well placed in third with eight hurdles to go.

Sire Du Berlais and Ashdale Bob follow close behind.

3.30 - Stayers’ Hurdle

15:31 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! The rain has started to fall as the 11 horse field set off. Flooring Porter takes the early lead.

3.30 - Stayers’ Hurdle latest odds

15:24 , Michael Jones

Teahupoo 11/4

Blazing Khal 4/1

Gold Tweet 9/2

Home By The Lee 8/1

Flooring Porter 17/2

Klassical Dream 9/1

Paisley Park 25/1

Ashdale Bob 33/1

Sire Du Berlais 40/1

Henri Le Farceur 66/1

Dashel Drasher 80/1

Envoi Allen wins the Ryanair Chase

15:20 , Michael Jones

Shishkin not himself

15:18 , Michael Jones

ITV has had a quick word with jockey Nico de Boinville about what happened with Shishkin.

“We’ll have better days ahead of us I’m sure,” he replied.

Was he himself today? “Probably not.”

Celeb spotting

15:15 , Michael Jones

The Cheltenham festival is always a hotbed for celebrities. Sir Alex Ferguson is back today and Corrie’s Alan Halsall has even been spotted.

Nicky Henderson on Shishkin’s run

15:14 , Michael Jones

Shishkin’s trainer, Nicky Henderson, spoke after that race and give his thoughts on the run saying: “Let’s see what Nico [de Boinville] says. He made a very bad mistake coming down the hill. He finished really strong.

“He probably wants to go further and we’ll probably try him at Aintree over three.”

Cheltenham Festival tips today: Experts on best bets and 11 horses to watch on Day 3

15:10 , Michael Jones

With four races to go at Cheltenham today, including the Stayers’ Hurdle, here’s all the tips and best bets for the rest of the day:

Cheltenham race tips today: Experts on best bets and 11 horses to watch in 2023

Envoi Allen wins the Ryanair Chase

15:06 , Michael Jones

Take a look at how Rachael Blackmore steered Envoi Allen to victory at the Cheltenham Festival:

Rachael Blackmore praise Envoi Allen

15:02 , Michael Jones

"He [Envoi Allen] is an incredible horse, a phenomenal engine, always hoping he could do something like that, fair play to Henry and the team, he was electric.

“It's lovely when you can take a little bit, he jumped really well, a happier horse, this is such a magic place, I feel so lucky to be here.

"I think he [A Plus Tard] seems to suit any conditions, I wouldn't be worried by him, he hasn't had the most ideal preparation, we'll see, but he's been working very well recently, we're happy with him, we'll see what happens."

Ryanair Chase result

15:00 , Michael Jones

1. Envoi Allen - 13/2

2. Shishkin - 1/1

3. Hitman - 22/1

4. French Dynamite - 28/1

ENVOI ALLEN WINS THE RYANAIR CHASE!

14:57 , Michael Jones

Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen drive over the finish line with Shishkin recovering to take second. That heavy hit on the third to last fence seems to have cost him.

It’s another winner for Blackmore who got home with Honeysuckle on Tuesday too.

2.50 - Ryanair Chase

14:55 , Michael Jones

Shishkin hits the third to last fence hard and drops away. Rachael Blackmore makes her move on Envoi Allen. She bombs over the final fence in first place and kicks him on.

French Dynamite and Blue Lord are chasing after them.

2.50 - Ryanair Chase

14:54 , Michael Jones

Rachael Blackmore is keeping Envoi Allen out wide and is seemingly waiting for an opening to push through. Shishkin makes a move through the middle as Fury Road drops away.

Chacun Pour Soi and French Dynamite still toil for the lead up ahead. Five to jump.

2.50 - Ryanair Chase

14:52 , Michael Jones

Shiskin hasn’t found rhythm over the jumps yet and keeps moving over to the left but he’s in a decent position. Chacun Pour Soi leads French Dynamite by a length with 10 fences to jump.

2.50 - Ryanair Chase

14:51 , Michael Jones

Chacun Pour Soi leads French Dynamite over the first few fences with Envoi Allen setting up on the outside. Fury Road is going nicely with Shishkin in the chasing group.

2.50 - Ryanair Chase

14:50 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! This race is all about Shishkin and how he’s going to go. There’s been some late movement in the betting for Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen. Blue Lord should be in with a shout too.

2.50 - Ryanair Chase latest odds

14:48 , Michael Jones

Shishkin Evens fav

Blue Lord 6/1

Janidil 13/2

Envoi Allen 10/1

Fury Road 11/1

Hitman 25/1

French Dynamite 25/1

Ga Law 33/1

Chacun Pour Soi 40/1

Michael O’Leary explains how to save British Racing

14:44 , Michael Jones

In an interview with ITV Group CEO of Ryanair and racehorse owner Michael O’Leary outlined a three point plan on how to revitalise British racing.

Take a look:

Liam McKenna and Good Time Jonny celebrate Pertemps win

14:40 , Michael Jones

Will Shishkin win the 2.50 Ryanair Chase?

14:35 , Michael Jones

There’s been two big odds winners in the opening races of Day 3. That may not be a good sign for Shishkin who comes into this one as the heavy favourite.

Shishkin comes back to Cheltenham after bombing out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase last year. He was a 5-6 shot 12 months ago and will be much almost the same price in this Grade One chase.

Willie Mullins’s Blue Lord, the likely second-favourite, is one to keep an eye on as is his stablemate Janadil, who has much more experience at this intermediate tripand seems ideally suited to it.

Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen may also attract some support thanks to jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Good Time Jonny wins the Pertemps Network Final

14:30 , Michael Jones

Good Time Jonny was last at the top of the hill but stormed through the field to pull off the win. Incredible ride by jockey Liam McKenna too.

Good Time Jonny wins the Pertemps Network Final

14:23 , Michael Jones

It’s not been a day for the favourites yet. Just check out how Good Time Jonny came through to win this one:

Pertemps Network Final result

14:20 , Michael Jones

1. Good Time Jonny - 9/1

2. Salvador Ziggy - 10/1

3. Mill Green - 22/1

4. Green Book - 40/1

5. Walking On Air - 9/1

GOOD TIME JONNY WINS THE PERTEMPS NETWORK FINAL

14:19 , Michael Jones

Where did he come from?! As the field stretched out after the final hurdle Good Time Jonny storms through the middle and kicks ahead of the leaders to win by a good couple of lengths.

Brilliant finish in the Pertemps Network Final!

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final

14:17 , Michael Jones

The turn towards the last sees the field open up. Maxxum makes good ground with Mill Green and Green Book pushing on at the front.

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final

14:16 , Michael Jones

The whole field have clustered back to together with Burrows Park and Bear Ghylls still setting the pace. One mile to go and two hurdles left.

It’s anyone’s race yet.

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final

14:15 , Michael Jones

Maxxum is near the back as the field reign in Burrows Park. Green Book, Bear Ghylls and The Bosses Oscar are up near the leader as the leap over the next hurdle.

Six to go.

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final

14:13 , Michael Jones

Burrows Park has bombed out ahead of everyone else but he’ll do well to keep this pace up for 3 miles. He’s out in front by about eight lengths.

Eight hurdles to go.

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final

14:12 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! There are 23 runners in this one which means predicting a winner is going to be difficult. After a false start, the field set off from a standing start.

Green Book and Bear Ghylls lead the way.

Paul Nicholls praises Stage Star

14:09 , Michael Jones

Winning trainer Paul Nicholls spoke to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra saying: “It has been a tough week so far and a tough couple of years. It’s hard to win here.

“So to win with a horse we believed in, it didn’t go to plan last year, but he’s come back really good this year. It was a good race and he put it to bed really well.

“We thought he would run really well, the last run was really good here with a big weight.

“He’s an improving horse and we need him to take it to the next level. Today was a good test.”

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final latest odds

14:06 , Michael Jones

Thanksforthehelp - 7/2

Maxxum - 11/2

Salvador Ziggy - 15/2

Walkingonair - 9/1

Good Time Jonny - 10/1

An Tailliur - 12/1

Moka De Vassy - 16/1

Hector Javilex - 18/1

The Changing Man - 20/1

20/1 BAR – 21 runners

2.10 - Pertemps Network Final

14:02 , Michael Jones

Next up is the Pertemps Network Final which is the first of three difficult handicaps on today’s card.

David Pipe’s Thanksforthehelp, won the Chepstow qualifier last month with plenty in hand and is a solid favourite at around 7-2, while Maxxum, a 16-length winner at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, is near him in the market.

The most recent winner to have also won their qualifier was Fingal Bay in 2014 so it may pay to look instead for a horse that ran well without winning.

The Changing Man, who finished second in a well-run Haydock qualifier in February, could be a shout.

Stage Star wins for Paul Nicholls

13:57 , Michael Jones

It’s been a long time since trainer Paul Nicholls had a winner at Cheltenham. His last one was Politologue in the 2020 Champion Chase.

That win was also jockey Harry Cobden’s first at the festival since 2019. Well played Stage Star.

Paul Nicholls wins at Cheltenham

13:52 , Michael Jones

Trainer Paul Nicholls gets his first winner at Cheltenham for what seems like an age. Here’s how his team celebrated Stage Star’s victory:

Bairstow’s Best Bets

13:48 , Michael Jones

England cricket Jonny Bairstow is having a whale of a time at Cheltenham this week. Here he is offering up his top tips for Day 3:

Harry Cobden wins at Cheltenham after four year wait

13:45 , Michael Jones

Harry Cobden rides his first winner at Cheltenham since 2019. Here’s what he had to say after riding Stage Star to victory:

“It’s lovely. I thought it was easy when I rode my first winner here at the age of 18. The second came quickly but since then it’s been a four-year drought.”

Stage Star romps in to win the Turners Novices Chase

13:41 , Michael Jones

Take a look at how Harry Cobden and Stage Star won the opening race at Cheltenham Day 3:

Turners Novices Chase result

13:38 , Michael Jones

1. Stage Star - 15/2

2. Notlongtillmay - 40/1

3. Mighty Potter - 4/6

4. Appreciate It - 3/1

STAGE STAR WINS THE TURNERS NOVICES’ CHASE

13:37 , Michael Jones

Mighty Potter kicks into gear but Harry Cobden has Stage Star too far in front. He led the whole way around and steers Stage Star over the line!

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:36 , Michael Jones

Notlongtillmay makes a move to push Stage Star but the leader leaps over the last just in front. Mighty Potter has work to do down the final stretch having been wedged in between Balco Coastal and James Du Berlais.

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:34 , Michael Jones

James Du Berlais is in the mix now too and joins Mighty Potter and Balco Coastal in the group just behind the leading duo. The jockeys are just positioning themselves for a final push with three fences to jump.

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:33 , Michael Jones

The 33/1 Notlongtillmay has moved up into second place ahead of Balco Coastal but Stage Star continues to set the pace. Appreciate It hasn’t made any huge inroads into the field but is running nicely.

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:32 , Michael Jones

Mighty Potter edges up into fourth as Stage Star extends his lead out in front. 12 fences to go and the whole field is looking strong.

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:31 , Michael Jones

And they’re off! Stage Star leads the way to the first with Mighty Potter in fifth and Appreciate It at the back. Balco Coastal is just off the back of the leader as they head over the first.

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:30 , Michael Jones

Mighty Potter is the odds on favourite for this opening race of Day 3. He looks calm as the horses approach the start.

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase latest odds

13:26 , Michael Jones

Mighty Potter 8/11

Appreciate It 3/1

Stage Star 8/1

Balco Coastal 16/1

James Du Berlais 28/1

Notlongtillmay 33/1

Unexpected Party 125/1

1.30 - Turners Novices Chase

13:22 , Michael Jones

Mighty Potter is the favourite going into the opening event on Day 3 with Gordon Elliott fans not deterred after stablemate Gerri Colombe finished second yesterday.

Appreciate It is arguably the best contender but he’s been lightly-raced since his devastating 24-length success in the 2021 Supreme Novice Hurdle though is likely to be suited by the step up to this trip.

Banbridge’s 10-length second behind El Fabiolo in February was boosted when the winner followed up in Tuesday’s Arkle.

Balco Coastal could prove to be the best of the Brits, having finished close behind Gerri Colombe at Sandown in February, but this looks to be Mighty Potter’s to lose.

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