Cheltenham Festival 2026 – Day 3: The Leaderboard Has Turned!

Cheltenham rolls on into Day 3, and inside Legacy Racing the competition is as strong as ever.

After two days of Festival action, the team selections are beginning to separate the field. The team are sticking firmly to their tried-and-tested methods in the hope of landing a few winners before the week is out.

Chairman Mike continues to rely on his years of racing experience after a steady Day 2, Racing Manager Juan brings deep tactical analysis to every race, which has seen him rocket to the front of the internal leaderboard. Operations Manager Claire once again joins forces with her father Ron “Chopper” Harris for their family selections as they search for an upturn in results, while Head of Socials & Marketing Abby continues to follow the vibes — which today appear to have taken on a surprisingly musical theme.

Here are the team’s selections for Day 3 at Cheltenham.

13:20 – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Mike – Oldschool Outlaw

Mike believes this looks like the type of mare who could continue progressing. These novice races often reward horses that are still improving, and Oldschool Outlaw may have more to offer at this level.

Juan – Bambino Fever

Juan notes that the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle can often become tactical early on, with several runners keen to hold a prominent position before the race really develops turning for home. Horses that can settle while still travelling comfortably often gain an advantage as the tempo lifts.

Bambino Fever appears to move well through her races and doesn’t seem to waste much energy early on. That ability to travel smoothly allows her rider to keep tactical options open, whether sitting just behind the pace or tracking the leaders. If she jumps cleanly and maintains that rhythm, she could be in a strong position as the race unfolds in the closing stages.

Claire – Oldschool Outlaw

This selection comes from Ron “Chopper” Harris — a classic Chopper pick. When he likes one, Claire tends to stick with it.

Abby – Oldschool Outlaw

Abby’s reasoning is simple: the name brings strong cowboy energy, and that was enough to win her over.

14:00 – Jack Richards Novices’ Chase

Mike – Meetmebythesea

Mike feels this looks like a horse suited to a race of this nature. If he jumps well and maintains a good rhythm, he should be capable of running a big race.

Juan – Jordans Cross

Juan explains that novice handicap chases at the Festival can be unforgiving, as many runners are still learning their trade over fences. Maintaining a consistent jumping rhythm is often what separates those who remain competitive from those who lose ground.

Jordans Cross has shown signs of improving confidence over fences, which could be crucial in a race like this. Horses that establish a steady rhythm around Cheltenham often conserve far more energy than those making small mistakes. If he maintains that fluency and holds a sensible position through the first circuit, he should give himself every chance when the race begins to intensify.

Claire – Meetmebythesea

Ron “Chopper” Harris is particularly keen on this one, believing the horse has shown solid form over hurdles and could have a strong chance here.

Abby – Sixmilebridge

Abby continues to follow the vibes. So far, that approach has served her well.

14:40 – Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle

Mike – Wodhooh

Mike believes Wodhooh could be well treated and capable of stepping forward in a big-field handicap like this.

Juan – Wodhooh

Wodhooh appears to have been campaigned with races like this in mind and has demonstrated the ability to maintain a strong tempo over staying trips. If he handles positioning in such a large field, his consistency and stamina could make him a major contender.

Claire – Take No Chances

Ron “Chopper” Harris believes this horse is due a win. Sometimes instinct is enough.

Abby – Dream On Baby

Abby’s musical theme continues. As a big Aerosmith fan, the name Dream On Baby made the decision easy — especially as it also matched her jumper for the day.

15:20 – Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

Mike – Kabral Du Mathan

Mike believes this horse has shown plenty of ability and could enjoy a strongly run race around Cheltenham.

Juan – Ballyburn

Ballyburn has shown the ability to travel strongly while maintaining a high cruising speed, which can be a significant advantage at this level. That profile allows a horse to remain competitive without being pushed too early.

If he jumps accurately and keeps that smooth rhythm over the fences, he should be well placed to challenge in what is likely to be a competitive contest.

Claire – Home By The Lee

Claire and her father selected Home By The Lee partly because “Lee” is a family name — sometimes the simplest logic is the most appealing.

Abby – Ma Shantou

Abby chose this purely because she can imagine the commentator dramatically shouting “Ma Shantou!” as the horse crosses the line (hopefully first).

16:00 – Ryanair Chase

Mike – Jonbon

Mike believes Jonbon is a very talented horse who has shown top-class ability. If he performs to his best level, he could be extremely difficult to beat.

Juan – Fact To File

Juan points out that the Ryanair Chase is a completely different test compared to many other races during the week because it places such strong emphasis on endurance and race management.

The early pace can vary significantly, meaning horses that remain relaxed and adaptable often cope best.

Fact To File has demonstrated the ability to maintain a strong gallop while still jumping efficiently — a profile well suited to this race. That combination of stamina and rhythm allows a horse to remain competitive throughout rather than relying on a single burst of speed.

If he settles into a comfortable position early and continues jumping fluently, he should have the tools to handle the demands of this contest.

Claire – Banbridge

Ron “Chopper” Harris has followed Banbridge closely for some time and believes this could be a good opportunity.

Abby – Jonbon

The musical theme continues for Abby, as the name Jonbon gives her strong Bon Jovi vibes.

16:40 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle

Mike – Cest Different

Mike believes this horse could fit the profile for a competitive handicap and may still have more improvement to come.

Juan – Absolutely Doyen

Juan explains that the Pertemps Hurdle is another large-field handicap where races can become extremely intense early on. With so many runners competing for position, the ability to remain composed and jump cleanly under pressure is vital.

Absolutely Doyen appears comfortable in competitive fields and possesses a running style suited to this type of contest. Horses that can travel within the pack without becoming overly keen often conserve valuable energy.

If he continues to jump accurately and maintains a good position, he could navigate the chaos of a race like this and give himself a strong chance.

Claire – Minella Emperor Claire likes this horse based on previous hurdle performances, and Ron “Chopper” Harris has even placed a small each-way bet — a sign that confidence is high.

Abby – Minella Emperor

Abby chose this simply because of how pretty the horse is, and we can't disagree with her there!

17:20 – Kim Muir Handicap Chase

Mike – Prends Garde A Toi

Mike believes this horse could be well suited to a staying contest like this and may run well if the race unfolds favourably.

Juan – Kim Roque

Juan explains that the Kim Muir presents a unique challenge because amateur riders add an extra tactical dimension. Judging the pace over a long distance is crucial, and races like this often punish horses that are asked for too much too early.

For that reason, horses with proven stamina and a straightforward running style frequently perform well. Kim Roque appears capable of settling into a steady gallop and continuing to respond when asked. In a race where patience and positioning are vital, that reliability could make a significant difference.

Claire – Jeriko Du Reponet

Claire is hoping to land her own winner from trainer Nicky Henderson after seeing colleagues already enjoy success with his runners earlier in the week.

Abby – Waterford Whispers

Abby’s final pick of the day is a sentimental one — the name reminded her of a friend who once had a horse called Whisper.

Over The Half Way Mark

With Day 3 now underway, the Legacy Racing team will once again be watching closely to see whose system delivers the winners.

Which system is closest to your own?