Welcome to our coverage of the races on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, stay tuned as we update you with race results and direct quotes from jockeys and trainers as they come in.
In our final race of the day at 16:10, Shakem Up’arry took the win, owned by Harry Redknapp.
Jockey, Ben Jones said:
“He’s an amazing horse. Makes my job very easy. You can put him wherever you want in a race and he jumps great. He’s a pleasure to ride.
“I wasn’t too bad, because the horses have been running well, but it started to get a little bit annoying yesterday evening. It’s brilliant to get off the mark now.”
The winner of the highlight race, Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle, was Teahupoo.
Read more here: https://uogjsport.co.uk/teahupoo-took-the-win-at-the-paddy-power-stayers-hurdle
Protektorat claimed victory in the Ryanair Chase meaning the Skelton’s won yet another race.
Their horse was followed by Envoi Allen and Conflated who made up the top three.
Skelton said:
“I can’t believe it. He really deserved this. Izzy is an absolute saint, she puts up with this horse every day. He’s as mad as a wasp! He’s so difficult at home, he’s difficult in a race, but today – the first time in a long time – he settled. He’s usually pulling my arms out.
“He was real tough and he really deserves this, this horse. Knocked at the door in all these big races and he’s now had his day in the sun.”
Owner John Hales added:
“Unbelievable. First time I’ve ever done a double at Cheltenham. Unbelievable experience!
“He was brilliant today. I can’t speak highly enough of the two trainers, and the two winners. Dream come true!”
The Pertemps Network Final ended in style as Monmiral owned by Sir Alex Ferguson won the race despite being placed at 25/1.
Monmiral was followed by Kyntara, Cuthbert Dibble and Bold Endeavor who completed the top four.
This marked Ferguson’s first ever win at Cheltenham.
Winning jockey Harry Cobden said:
“The blinkers have made a massive difference. That’s been the decider. It just got him going forward today.
“I was meant to be in the first 8, and I just thought we were going far too fast. Harry Skelton is on one of the fancy ones. I thought, right, I’ll just follow him around. I won’t be far too long if I just follow him.
“It’s just worked out brilliantly. Didn’t want to commit him too soon, and he’s come home really well.”
SAF added:
“That was fantastic. I think this is my first winner here. John (John Hales, part owner) is the master, and we back him all the way.”
The Turners Novices’ Chase ended with Grey Dawning winning the race, and Great Britain getting a top three finish.
Harry Skelton’s horse was followed by Ginny’s Destiny and Djelo who completed a GB top three.
Winning jockey Harry Skelton, speaking to ITV Sport said: “Magic. Thank you Cheltenham, these people make it special.
Supreme roar ❌
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St. Patrick’s Thursday roar ✅
Day three of the Cheltenham Festival is underway in some style!#CheltenhamFestival | @CheltenhamRaces pic.twitter.com/AdAY4OX18t
“He was great today. Dan got the right race, there was a long discussion about it.
“Everything went perfect. He pinged down over the last two. He’s a really good horse.”
He continued:
“Absolutely pinged down over the last two. He’s a very good horse. Absolutely brilliant.
“(on the horse) He’s brilliant, he’s so unassuming. He doesn’t know how good he is.”
