Glamorous revellers battled the elements as they stepped out for the third day of Cheltenham amid wet and windy conditions.
Umbrellas proved to be the number one accessory of the day, as the heavens opened on the Gloucestershire racecourse – with further downpours expected this afternoon.
Some braved the rain in bare legs, heeled boots and thigh-skimming outfits while trying desperately to keep their elaborate headgear dry.
But the windy weather proved to be too much for some racegoers, who struggled to control their brollies – or worse, lost hold of their hats.
Despite the damp and chilly conditions, eager female punters dressed to the nines in fur-lined coats, tweed jackets and chic fedoras for the annual four-day event.
The windy weather at Cheltenham Festival today proved to be too much for some racegoers who struggled to control their brollies – or worse, lost hold of their hats
Making a statement: A racegoer donned a flamboyant dress while using her headgear to shelter from the rain
Glamorous revellers were determined to not let the wet weather rain on their parade today as they donned heeled boots and thigh-skimming outfits for day three of Cheltenham
One nil to the umbrella… it appeared the brolly was winning in this battle with a racegoer
With spring around the corner and the occasion signalling the start of the British social season, revellers quickly got into the party spirit on day three of the festival, dubbed St Patrick’s Thursday.
As big a draw for its fashion as the horse racing itself, Cheltenham attendees paraded down the racecourse in statement suits, tartan jackets and knee-high boots.
British fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper stunned in one of her own designs: a check longline coat, cinched at the waist and featuring a flattering silhouette.
The founder of Holland Cooper – a favourite of the Princess of Wales – teamed her statement garment with burgundy boots and a matching clutch handbag.
Spirits were high as revellers gathered around large screens to watch the action unfold as drinks flowed freely.
Whilst there were plenty of glamorous women at today’s event, the men certainly held their own, with some opting for brightly coloured suits.
Dressed to impress: A woman showcases her fashionable look as she poses up a storm
Fur-tastic! A woman dresses in a tan look, complete with a fur-lined coat and check suit
Coats to the rescue! Glamorous racegoers use their jackets as covers from the rainy weather
Hold on to your hats! A pair of friends struggle to hold on to their headwear during the windy conditions
At least they’re laughing about it! A duo share a laugh as they struggle to keep their umbrellas under control
Matching: An elegant pair of racegoers showcase similar looks as they attend the festival
Check them out! Glamorous guests showcase their chic tartan outfits at the racecourse
Hold on to your hats! One woman battles the windy conditions on day three of the festival
British fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper (pictured right) stunned in one of her own designs, a check longline coat, cinched at the waist and featuring a flattering silhouette. Pictured left, a racegoer poses in her fashionable attire
Racegoers battle with the windy conditions on day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival
A woman uses her glamorous coat to protect her hair from the rainy conditions at Cheltenham
Making the most of it: These racegoers refused to let the wet weather ruin their cheerful spirits
A racegoer fights to control her umbrella during the windy conditions at Cheltenham Festival
Looking glam together! A pair appear equally stylish as they shelter under one umbrella
Getting creative! Racegoers seek shelter from the rain under clipboards at the racing event
Racegoers rush for shelter on a wet and windy day at the annual four-day festival
The excitement was palpable ahead of the first race, which begins just after 1pm.
Guests were also delighted to discover that the festival organisers had stayed true to their word by slashing the price of a pint of Guinness to £7.50 for this year’s edition.
As detailed by Daily Mail Sport in September, the decision to lower the prices came as a means to entice racegoers to return to the four-day event after a reduction in attendance.
In 2025, 218,839 people flocked to Prestbury Park – a decrease of more than 10,000 on the previous year when just south of 230,000 attended.
Last year’s Ladies Day, which is on a Wednesday, saw just 41,941 come through the gates – the lowest crowd figure for a single day in a quarter of a century.
Many punters blamed the increasing costs of attending and enjoying Cheltenham as the main factor for no-shows, with a pint of Guinness in 2025 almost at the £8-mark at £7.80.
Georgia Toffolo got into the spirit as she sported a bag in the shape of a horse while Gemma Collins arrived at Cheltenham via helicopter for day three of the races
Mike and Zara Tindall looked glamorous as they showed up in complementary looks
Princess Anne was looking stylish in a suede boots and an elegant grey skirt
Gemma Collins went for all-out glamour in a checked coat with a Mulberry bag and fur cuffs
Peter Crouch went for classic race attire with a tweed baker boy cap paired with a suit layered over a grey cardigan and shirt and tie
James Nesbitt was fondly greeting Sir Alex Ferguson, who beamed while warmly shaking the actor’s hand as they got stuck into the festivities
Also in attendance was Danny Dyer, who was showing off his thick moustache and crossing his arms to pledge allegience to his beloved West Ham
EastEnders and I’m A Celebrity star Shona McGarty was sure to bring the glamour in a bold blue ensemble with a chic complementary fascinator
And in response to the fall in attendance numbers, the price of a pint of Guinness at this year’s Festival has been slashed by 30p to £7.50. Meanwhile, a half-pint is £3.75 – 15p less than last year.
Drinks were cheaper all around; the price of single pours of gin, vodka and rum were all reduced by 20p.
The races today begin at 1.20pm with the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
