Right on cue, as the horses go up to the top of the track, here are few spots of rain.

The entrants for first race of the day are almost ready. It should be an open one.

We're about to hear the famous Cheltenham roar once again...

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

After a dry night, conditions are slightly less testing with the going at Cheltenham now described as Soft.

However, rain is expected throughout the afternoon.

One significant non-runner today is Dysart Enos in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (16:50).

Trainer Fergal O’Brien said the horse was lame.

Before the success at Warwick, Grey Dawning was second to Ginny's Destiny in a novice event at Cheltenham - and the pair will meet again now.

Ginny's Destiny has been the favourite for a while and is a better jumper than Grey Dawning.

"I think the race has an open feel to it and he jumps and gallops. We've improved a lot since we met Dan's horse first time," says Paul Nicholls.

"Hopefully he is the one who can go to the next level and we'll give it a whirl."

Dan Skelton had cause to celebrate an unexpected party yesterday - literally.

Unexpected Party was the trainer's second winner of the day in the Grand Annual Chase after Langer Dan became the first horse to win a second Coral Cup.

In today's first race, Skelton is hoping Grey Dawning can continue his progress and win the Grade One Turners Novices' Chase.

Grey Dawning, a seven-year-old, has enjoyed a productive season so far and strolled to a 14-length victory in the Hampton Novices' Chase at Warwick.

"He's been really good and I've been delighted with his preparations," Skelton said.

"When the ground went the way it has, it made the decision easier [to go in the Turners]."

Image source, Getty Images

After picking up his 100th Cheltenham winner on Wednesday, Willie Mullins will be hoping to make it 101 in the day three opener with Facile Vega.

The winner of the Champion Bumper in 2022 steps up in trip but there are concerns over his jumping which can be erratic at times.

This is a good chance for a British Grade One win with both Grey Dawning, trained by Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls’s Ginny’s Destiny, a three-time winner at the track this season, hoping to figure.

Gina is backing Ginny and that takes us nicely into looking at the first race of Thirsty Thursday...

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Gina Bryce is presenting Cheltenham coverage on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and gave us a couple of selections for today:

13:30 Turners Novices' Chae - Ginny's Destiny 5-1

Ginny's Destiny is a really straightforward horse, a strong galloper with plenty of winning experience around Cheltenham. Won the same prep race as last year's winner for the same stable - Stage Star - and trainer thinks he could be better.

14:10 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle - Le Milos 13-2

Le Milos can continue a fantastic week for the Skeltons. Favourably treated by the handicapper, he has been dropped 4lb for his last run over too short a trip and has been perfectly lined up for this.

Ten minutes before the first race of the day.

Before we get started, here are the non-runners for day three.

14.10

2 Springwell Bay

20 Judicial Law

15.30

3 Champ

16.50

4 Casa No Mento

5 Dysart Enos

7 Little Miss Dante

BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Not only is our man Frank down at the track bringing you all the latest, we've also got the BBC Radio team there.

You can listen to live commentary from Cheltenham on all the action on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 13:15-17:45 , with feature races on Radio 5 live.

Tune in via radio, online and BBC Sounds.

Now!

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Image source, Frank Keogh

It may be no laughing matter for the home team, but a bookmaker’s sign at the track pokes fun of the Irish domination at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ten of the 13 winners so far have been trained in Ireland, with just three for the British contingent.

In fact, one man - Willie Mullins - has enjoyed twice as many winners as the entire GB training ranks.

So who are you backing today?

Is the pot earmarked for betting this week building up towards a slap-up meal for you and a loved one?

Or has it dwindled to a week of beans on toast for dinner?

Let us know using #bbcracing on X, formerly known as Twitter.

And if you're actually in the Cotswolds, perhaps catching up with us while stood in the toilet/booze/food queue, then get in touch and tell us how it's going.

That's your day out, not the queue.

13:30: Turners Novices' Chase (Grade 1) - 11 runners

14:10: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) - 22 runners

14:50: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) - 11 runners

15:30: Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) - 12 runners

16:10: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase - 22 runners

16:50: Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) - nine runners

17:30: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase - 24 runners

You can see all the runners and riders on our Cheltenham racecards

It's Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival and although St Patrick's Day is not until Sunday (17 March), the course has dubbed today St Patrick's Thursday.

One brand of Irish stout is particularly pleased.

And the madness has already started.

ITV Racing just started their programme with a karaoke session serenading Ruby Walsh to the sound of the Kaiser Chiefs...

Anyway, the racing. Let's see what we can expect from today's card.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

King George VI Chase winner Hewick has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon walked the course on Thursday and decided the ground was too soft to suit his horse.

Hewick, who was a bargain buy for just £800, could now be aimed at next month's Aintree Bowl.

More on the Gold Cup here

Before we focus on today's action, there is a piece of breaking news in relation to the big one tomorrow...

The flicks of emerald green around Cheltenham is a dead giveaway.

As are the pints of Irish stout being gripped by many punters turning up to the track.

Today is the annual St Patrick's Thursday celebration and it's sure going to be a craic.

You know what Thursday at Cheltenham means, don't you?

No? These photos of the punters arriving at the track might give it away...

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images