Cheltenham Festival 2023 is the key meeting in the National Hunt calendar showcasing the best equine talent across Britain and Ireland. On day three, it was St Patrick’s Day at the festival and the celebration roared along with horseracing.
The horses and jockeys put on a special show on March 16 in front of a star-studded crowd that included BBC’s Countryfile presenter and Cotswold Farm Park owner Adam Henson and wife Charlotte, Princess Anne with Zara and Mike Tindall, Radio and TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins, Chris Hughes, Rosie Tapner and many more. On Ladies Day - day two - Queen Consort Camilla had visited the races.
Today (March 17) is the final day - the Gold Cup Day - of the event and more than 70,000 people enjoyed seven thrilling races, including the famous Boodles Gold Cup - which was won for the first time by a female jockey.
It was a sunny day in Cheltenham - where many people from Birmingham also visited to take part in the action.
Here are eight photos from day three of the festival:
1. Cheltenham Festival 2023
Emotions on show as owners watch their horse on the big screen from the parade ring during day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2023 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2023 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
2. Cheltenham Festival 2023
Watching the action during day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2023 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2023 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
3. Cheltenham Festival 2023
A selection of hats being worn during day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2023 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2023 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
4. Cheltenham Festival 2023
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Rachael Blackmore riding Envoi Allen return after winning The Ryanair Chase during day three of the Cheltenham Festival 2023 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2023 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)