The quirky Cheltenham Racecourse will host a competitive seven-race programme on Thursday, 12 March, featuring top-class contests across hurdles and steeplechases. All races are part of the GBB series, bringing together novice performers, established Grade 1 and Grade 2 runners, and amateur jockeys. With a mix of high-quality hurdles, staying contests, and steeplechases, the day promises a full schedule of engaging racing action, showcasing top talent across multiple distances and categories.
The day will open with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 2) at 1:20 PM. Covering a distance of 2 miles 179 yards, the race features 22 runners aged four and older and carries £105,000 in prize money. Notable entries include Al Fonce, Amen Kate, Bambino Fever, Blue Velvet, and Carrigmoornaspruce. This contest is expected to provide an early test for developing mares stepping into higher-class company.
At 2:00 PM, the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 2) will cover 2 miles 4 furlongs 183 yards with 20 runners competing for £125,000. Gold Dancer, Sixmilebridge, Slade Steel, Regent’s Stroll, and Ol Man Dingle are among the notable entries. The race will offer an opportunity for novice chasers to demonstrate their ability over fences and stake a claim for future staying contests.
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1) is scheduled for 2:40 PM, covering 2 miles 4 furlongs 56 yards with 7 runners competing for £125,000. Leading mares include Dream On Baby, Feet of A Dancer, Jade de Grugy, Jetara, and Sunset Marquesa. The race is expected to highlight some of the season’s top mares and provide a high-quality early showcase of class over hurdles.
Following that, the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle Race (Class 1, Grade 1) will run at 3:20 PM over 2 miles 7 furlongs 213 yards with 11 runners and £325,000 in prize money. Ballyburn, Bob Olinger, Doddiethegreat, Gwennie May Boy, and Hewick are set to test their stamina in this premier staying contest. The race will offer insight into the season’s leading long-distance hurdlers.
At 4:00 PM, the Ryanair Steeple Chase (Class 1, Grade 1) will cover 2 miles 4 furlongs 183 yards with 9 runners competing for £375,000. Banbridge, Croke Park, Fact To File, Heart Wood, and Impaire Et Passe are expected to feature prominently. This steeplechase is likely to be a focal point of the afternoon, showcasing proven talent at the top level.
The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 1) will take place at 4:40 PM over 2 miles 7 furlongs 213 yards with 26 runners contesting £110,000. Contenders such as Staffordshire Knot, Gowel Road, Electric Mason, Ace of Spades, and Minella Sixo will provide a competitive test for both established and rising hurdlers.
The meeting will conclude with the Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 2) at 5:20 PM, covering 3 miles 2 furlongs 144 yards with 26 runners competing for £75,000. Jeriko du Reponet, Monbeg Genius, The Enabler, Insurrection, and Sandor Clegane headline this amateur jockey contest, rounding out a full day of Cheltenham racing action.
Thursday’s Cheltenham Race Cards 12 March feature a full programme of Grade 1 and Grade 2 contests as part of the GBB series, combining top-level hurdles, steeplechases, and staying races. The day highlights a mix of established stars and emerging talent across a variety of distances, offering a showcase of skill, stamina, and class.
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