The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is in full swing as it enters its third day, known as St Patrick's Thursday. This day features significant races including the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle. Early favorites like Fact To File are highlighted, and yesterday's results saw Il Etait Temps achieving a noteworthy victory in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, setting the stage for exciting competitions ahead.

However, the festival has not been without drama. A notable incident occurred on Wednesday when Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused fellow jockey Nico de Boinville of making a racially abusive remark towards him during a heated exchange at the start of the Turners Novices' Hurdle. This accusation has added a layer of controversy to the festivities, prompting stewards to gather further evidence regarding the incident, demonstrating that tensions can flare even in the midst of competitive racing.

As the event unfolds, racing fans look forward to the scheduled races today while keeping an eye on the ongoing investigation into the allegations. The outcome could have wider implications on the jockeys involved and the overall atmosphere of the Cheltenham Festival, which remains one of the premier events in the horse racing calendar, drawing both local and international attention.