Thursday at Cheltenham 2026 in Pictures: Here are 15 amazing photos of all the St Patrick's Thursday fun

There was plenty of green around for the third day of one of the biggest race meets of the year.

St Patrick’s Day came early at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday (Thursday) as the even celebrated all things Irish.

The day recognises the huge volume of racegoers who travel over from the Emerald Isle to enjoy the races each year.

The big winner of the day was 9/2 shot Heart Wood, who raced to victory in the Ryanair Chase.

Here are 15 pictures of St Patrick’s Day.

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13. Busy bar

Punters queue for a drink at Cheltenham on Thursday. | Getty Images

Jack Kennedy riding Wodhooh return to the winners enclosure after winning The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle. | Getty Images

Trainer Joseph O'Brien poses on St Patrick's Thursday at Cheltenham Racecourse | Getty Images