Cheltenham Festival LIVE: Day 3 tips and latest odds as Rachael Blackmore hunts glory in Ryanair Chase
Marine Nationale claimed a surprise victory in yesterday's headline race, the Champion Chase, after favourite Jonbon hit a fence on the way round and could only recover to finish second. Earlier the highly rated Ballyburn was stunningly beaten in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase as Lecky Watson triumphed in the all-Irish renewal.
Today's highlights include the Ryanair Chase (3.20pm), where Fact To File and Il Est Francais drop back in trip for what seems certain to be a fascinating battle with the evergreen Protektorat, who attempts to defend his crown. And Gordon Elliott's Teahupoo is in good shape ahead of his defence of the Stayers' Hurdle (4pm), up against stablemate The Wallpark and Nicky Henderson 's Lucky Place as well as Home By The Lee, trained by Joseph O'Brien.
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips: Experts' best bets and 14 horses to watch on day three
The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2025 edition has reached the halfway stage. A barnstorming opening day saw Golden Ace as a surprise winner of the Champion Hurdle after Constitution Hill and State Man both fell.
Day two was a more emotional affair as victories for Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty provided a fitting farewell to jockey Michael O'Sullivan who passed away in February.
Day three promises more thrills with the Stayers' Hurdle and Ryanair Chase the big races highlighting a packed schedule. Chasing a first win of the festival, Rachael Blackmore will hope Envoi Allen rolls back the years to challenge hot favourite Fact To File in the Ryanair while Harry and Dan Skelton will hope Protektorat can back up his victory from last year.
Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips, best bets and horses to watch on day three
Fact To File looks set to win the Ryanair Chase while Teahupoo is the favourite for the Stayers' Hurdle
Luke Baker13 March 2025 08:31
The emotional 40 minutes that gave Michael O'Sullivan a fitting Cheltenham farewell
Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty won back-to-back races on a day of surprises in an emotional tribute to jockey Michael O'Sullivan.
O'Sullivan, a 24-year-old jockey who passed away last month after a fall at Thurles racecourse, only won twice at the Cheltenham Festival with both victories coming on day one of the 2023 edition.
His horses that day were Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty who both triumphed inside 40 minutes on Style Wednesday providing the perfect farewell to their previous rider.
The emotional 40 minutes that gave Michael O'Sullivan a fitting Cheltenham farewell
O'Sullivan's two previous winners at Cheltenham, Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty, won in consecutive races on a poignant day
Luke Baker13 March 2025 08:31
Cheltenham Festival 2025
Follow all the latest updates from day three at Cheltenham Festival here with The Independent's live coverage.
Lawrence Ostlere13 March 2025 08:24
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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
‘No one thinks I can do it' – Legendary Cheltenham Festival jockey makes shock comeback after 14 years
It's a name that will certainly ring a bell RAN TO GLORY 'No one thinks I can do it' – Legendary Cheltenham Festival jockey makes shock comeback after 14 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LEGENDARY Cheltenham Festival jockey who found more fame as a trainer is to make an incredible racing return after 14 years. Keiran Burke rode a winner at jumps racing's biggest meeting and trained the iconic Hunt Ball on his remarkable winning run. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Keiran Burke is one of the few to have ridden a winner at Cheltenham Festival - here on Holmwood Legend - and trained one Credit: Getty 2 Anthony Knott owner of Hunt Ball, jockey Nick Schofield and trainer Keiran Burke after their victory in the Pulteney Land Investments Novices Handicap Steeple Chase during day one of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival Credit: Alamy Now, after being teased by stable lads and lasses at his Dorset base, he is all set to dust off his whip and goggles for Newmarket this Saturday. And he even says victory in the world's longest Flat race - which has been reduced in distance owing to the dry ground - would eclipse his achievements at Cheltenham. Burke, now 39, won the 2011 Plate on Holmwood Legend for late trainer Pat Rodford. The victory was dubbed one of the 'romantic' tales of the week with the 25-1 outsider storming home by three lengths. But his career in the saddle ended in a life-threatening incident when he was 'double-barrelled' by a spooked horse. Burke had splashed some cash at the Cheltenham sales and was trotting the new purchase at home when it got spooked. Intent on catching the tearaway, Burke ran after it but the horse kicked him with both its hind legs. He was in intensive care for a week with a ruptured spleen and was so weak he couldn't walk. Burke recovered in time to train the Anthony Knott-owned Hunt Ball, who went from a lowly 69-rated chaser to Cheltenham Festival winner. The horse won seven of eight races in the 2011-12 season - including the Listed Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase at the Festival - before finishing third in the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree off 154. But Burke insists winning the Newmarket Town Plate - which has been run since 1666 - would top the lot. Especially as he is taking on good friend and rival trainer Tim Vaughan. Burke said: "All the staff said I couldn't do it, so I had to prove them wrong. "It was probably about three months ago that it came on the agenda but, originally, I was a reserve. "I was then put in as someone else pulled out, so it has been a bit all last minute to get everything sorted to go and do it. "I think it would give me loads more satisfaction winning this than winning at the Cheltenham Festival. "I've not had a massive chance to think about it too much, and what it means, but it is starting to sink in a little bit more now. "I think all those old memories will be flooding back, but it is even better there are not eight flights of hurdles to negotiate!" "I've got one thing I need to get done and that is to beat Tim Vaughan. "We have not had a side bet on this, but from what I've seen he is taking this very seriously. "I was up at Newmarket at the weekend, and I was having a drink with Josephine Gordon and she texted Tim a picture of me drinking a pint for my preparation when he has been all over Instagram going running and stuff. "If Tim Vaughan is last and I'm second last I will be delighted! "I don't know about being in good shape, but I got going when I was first going to go for it then I backed off as I wasn't doing it, but now I am doing I've had to get on with it. "I've not been drinking so much or eating so much. "I've had to lose about half-a-stone which wasn't too bad. "I passed the fitness test, but that nearly killed me, however I got through it in the end. "The horse I'm riding is called Chedington's Guest. He is not the easiest horse, but he will be OK. "He was placed in a bumper at Taunton last April and he is a nice horse. "I got the best one eligible out of my lot I could find for the race. "The owners are coming up and so is my son, but as it is on a Saturday unfortunately the staff will have to stay at home and work. "I think it will be a laugh and good fun hopefully. "It has been a long time since I retired. I just need to make sure my legs are still working near the end of it." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
‘No one thinks I can do it' – Legendary Cheltenham Festival jockey makes shock comeback after 14 years
A LEGENDARY Cheltenham Festival jockey who found more fame as a trainer is to make an incredible racing return after 14 years. Keiran Burke rode a winner at jumps racing's biggest meeting and trained the iconic Hunt Ball on his remarkable winning run. 2 2 Now, after being teased by stable lads and lasses at his Dorset base, he is all set to dust off his whip and goggles for Newmarket this Saturday. And he even says victory in the world's longest Flat race - which has been reduced in distance owing to the dry ground - would eclipse his achievements at Cheltenham. Burke, now 39, won the 2011 Plate on Holmwood Legend for late trainer Pat Rodford. The victory was dubbed one of the 'romantic' tales of the week with the 25-1 outsider storming home by three lengths. But his career in the saddle ended in a life-threatening incident when he was 'double-barrelled' by a spooked horse. Burke had splashed some cash at the Cheltenham sales and was trotting the new purchase at home when it got spooked. Intent on catching the tearaway, Burke ran after it but the horse kicked him with both its hind legs. He was in intensive care for a week with a ruptured spleen and was so weak he couldn't walk. Burke recovered in time to train the Anthony Knott-owned Hunt Ball, who went from a lowly 69-rated chaser to Cheltenham Festival winner. The horse won seven of eight races in the 2011-12 season - including the Listed Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase at the Festival - before finishing third in the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree off 154. But Burke insists winning the Newmarket Town Plate - which has been run since 1666 - would top the lot. Especially as he is taking on good friend and rival trainer Tim Vaughan. Burke said: "All the staff said I couldn't do it, so I had to prove them wrong. "It was probably about three months ago that it came on the agenda but, originally, I was a reserve. "I was then put in as someone else pulled out, so it has been a bit all last minute to get everything sorted to go and do it. "I think it would give me loads more satisfaction winning this than winning at the Cheltenham Festival. "I've not had a massive chance to think about it too much, and what it means, but it is starting to sink in a little bit more now. "I think all those old memories will be flooding back, but it is even better there are not eight flights of hurdles to negotiate!" "I've got one thing I need to get done and that is to beat Tim Vaughan. "We have not had a side bet on this, but from what I've seen he is taking this very seriously. "I was up at Newmarket at the weekend, and I was having a drink with Josephine Gordon and she texted Tim a picture of me drinking a pint for my preparation when he has been all over Instagram going running and stuff. "If Tim Vaughan is last and I'm second last I will be delighted! "I don't know about being in good shape, but I got going when I was first going to go for it then I backed off as I wasn't doing it, but now I am doing I've had to get on with it. "I've not been drinking so much or eating so much. "I've had to lose about half-a-stone which wasn't too bad. "I passed the fitness test, but that nearly killed me, however I got through it in the end. "The horse I'm riding is called Chedington's Guest. He is not the easiest horse, but he will be OK. "He was placed in a bumper at Taunton last April and he is a nice horse. "I got the best one eligible out of my lot I could find for the race. "The owners are coming up and so is my son, but as it is on a Saturday unfortunately the staff will have to stay at home and work. "I think it will be a laugh and good fun hopefully. "It has been a long time since I retired. I just need to make sure my legs are still working near the end of it." Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Former champion jockey Tommy Murphy dies in hospital aged 88 as Aidan O'Brien mourns loss of ‘incredible man'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER champion jockey Tommy Murphy has died in hospital aged 88 - as Aidan O'Brien mourned the loss of an 'incredible man'. The talented Flat rider - who also won at Cheltenham Festival - was assistant to the legendary Vincent O'Brien. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Former Irish champion jockey Tommy Murphy died in hospital aged 88 2 Aidan O'Brien has paid tribute to Tommy Murphy, calling him an 'incredible man' who taught him so much Credit: PA His passing comes as British racing mourns the loss of legendary trainer Bill Turner after injuries he suffered in a 'freak accident'. Dual Classic-winning rider Murphy, who took top honours in the jockey standings in 1978, died at a hospital in Cashel, Ireland, on Wednesday. Ballydoyle boss O'Brien, who took over from his predecessor but is no relation, retained Murphy's services at the famed yard. He said he was an invaluable asset at the beginning of his career and proved 'irreplaceable' over the years. O'Brien, regarded by many as the greatest Flat trainer ever, told the Racing Post: "Tommy was an unbelievable horseman, jockey and person. "He was an incredible help to us when we came to Ballydoyle in 1994. "He taught everybody here so much about so many different things. "Even when he retired, he came in all the time to give everyone advice and guidance. He was one of those irreplaceable men. "He was a great rider, too, just an incredible and special man. Andrew [Tommy's son and head lad at Ballydoyle] is in charge of the Giant's Causeway yard, where all our main horses are kept. "We'll miss Tommy terribly. "He lived here for a long time, until he went into hospital. "We had a lot of great memories going racing with Tommy. "We had unbelievable days with him and always had dinner on the way home after racing. "(My children) Joseph, Sarah, Ana and Donnacha were always with him from the time they were babies and grew up learning from him about horses and life." Murphy, who was born in Wexford, rode his first winner in 19654 and moved to England soon after. There, he became a jockey for a number of trainers, including four years with the Duke of Norfolk. He hit the big time in 1970 when he won the Galway Hurdle and backed it up again two years later. His two Classics came in 1977 when he won the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Lady Capulet and Irish St Leger with Transworld. Then in 1978 he won what is now the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival aboard Noble Life. His final winner came in 1981 and soon after that he became permanent fixture at Ballydoyle. Photos showed him patrolling the Ballydoyle gallops, keeping a keen eye on the army of top thoroughbreds pounding the track. Punters were quick to pay their respects, with one writing on X: "Tommy Murphy, former Classic-winning champion jockey, Ballydoyle linchpin and ever-present great of Irish racing has sadly passed. God rest him."
