Cheltenham Festival continues today (March 16) for the penultimate day of races.
Starting on Tuesday, March 14 and ending on Friday, March 17, there’s plenty of action on the way.
From weather to the ground going, here’s what you need to know as the popular sporting event continues.
Day 2 ✅#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/RWMJMDwKgD
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 15, 2023
Weather forecast for Cheltenham Festival
In Cheltenham today, it’s looking set to be overcast with rain starting this afternoon.
The weather from midday is expected to be overcast before light rain begins at around 2pm.
Light rain is expected to continue until 8pm and after that, it’s expected to be cloudy until midnight.
Temperatures on Thursday are expected to reach 11C with the lowest thought to be 10C.
You can see the Met Office weather forecast via the website.
What is the ground going for Thursday?
The ground going relates to how hard or soft the ground is and today, at the time of writing, it is thought to be soft, good to soft in places, according to The Jockey Club website.
Today we switch to the new course, here is the Going ahead of St. Patrick's Thursday 🌱#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/rrhw9jLdqD
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 16, 2023
What races are taking place on Thursday at Cheltenham Festival?
Here are the races scheduled to take place today as well as their type and the time they will begin, according to Cheltenham Festival’s website.
Thursday, March 16
Turners Novices’ Chase, Novice Chase – 1.30pm
Pertemps Final, Handicap Hurdle – 2.10pm
Ryanair Chase, Championship Race – 2.50pm
Stayers’ Hurdle, Championship Race – 3.30pm
Craft Irish Whisky Co. Plate, Handicap Chase – 4.10pm
Mares Novices’ Hurdle, Mares’ Only Novice Hurdle – 4.50pm
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, Handicap Race For Amateur Riders – 5.30pm
What is the dress code for Cheltenham Festival?
Those attending Cheltenham Festival are "expected to impress" when it comes to their outfits, the website explains.
It says: "Cheltenham Festivals are largely synonymous with fancy dress, therefore those attending are expected to impress with their outfits.
"However, it’s also practical to err with the side of caution, especially considering the temperamental nature of British weather. This also applies to shoe wear – remember that there’s plenty of grass and mud about – as well as your choice of hat.
"Any outfits that come across as offensive or ostentatious can be declined entry to the races, especially in particular enclosures, such as the Club Enclosure."
Cheltenham Gold Cup is set to take place on Friday, March 17 at 3.30pm.
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