Princess Anne Braves Cold Rain to Attend St Patrick’s Thursday at Cheltenham Festival 2026
The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, braved the cold, rainy conditions to attend day three of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival—St Patrick’s Thursday—at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 12, 2026. As one of the most dedicated supporters of equestrian sports in the royal family, she joined thousands of racegoers for what is traditionally one of the most vibrant and Irish-influenced days of the four-day meeting.
Cheltenham Festival is widely regarded as the pinnacle of National Hunt racing in the UK and Ireland. St Patrick’s Thursday, the third day, celebrates the strong Irish presence at the event, with many attendees donning green and gold, waving Irish flags, and creating a lively, festive atmosphere. The day features two major Championship races: the Stayers’ Hurdle and the Ryanair Chase, alongside other competitive contests that draw top trainers, jockeys, and horses from both sides of the Irish Sea.
The weather on March 12 proved challenging. Forecasts had predicted showers, and the day delivered a mix of persistent rain, strong winds, and temperatures hovering around 10-14°C (50-57°F), dropping lower in the evening. Racegoers arrived bundled in waterproof coats, hats, scarves, and wellington boots, determined not to let the elements dampen their spirits. Umbrellas dotted the grandstands and enclosures, while some hardy fans embraced the conditions with ponchos and layers. The ground was officially rated Good to Soft in places, with occasional drizzle adding to the soft going as the afternoon progressed. Winds gusted up to 40-45 mph at times, making hats a risky accessory and testing the resolve of even the most enthusiastic punters.
Princess Anne arrived looking characteristically practical and elegant, prepared for the inclement weather. She wore a structured coat suitable for the wet and windy conditions, paired with sturdy footwear—likely boots or shoes designed for walking the course and standing trackside. Her outfit reflected her no-nonsense approach to outdoor events, prioritizing comfort and functionality while maintaining a polished appearance. She was often seen with her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, who accompanied her throughout the day.
A lifelong equestrian enthusiast, Princess Anne has deep roots in the world of horse racing and eventing. She competed at the highest level herself, representing Great Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in three-day eventing—the first British royal to do so. Her passion for the sport has never waned; she is a regular at Cheltenham and other major meetings, often seen in the owners’ and trainers’ enclosures or presenting trophies. In recent years, Cheltenham Racecourse honored her contributions by renaming the Hunters’ Chase as the Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase, a tribute to her “outstanding” equestrian career. Although the race ran on Gold Cup Friday (March 13), her presence on St Patrick’s Thursday underscored her ongoing connection to the Festival.
The day began with racegoers navigating blustery conditions as they entered the course. Strong winds greeted arrivals, whipping umbrellas inside out and prompting many to secure hats with hands or scarves. Despite the weather, the atmosphere remained electric. Irish supporters turned Prestbury Park green and gold, singing songs and cheering their raiders—horses trained in Ireland that often dominate the Festival. The crowd’s energy was undimmed by the rain, with bookmakers doing brisk business and hospitality areas buzzing.
Princess Anne moved through the enclosures with ease, greeting familiar faces from the racing world. She watched the races from prime vantage points, likely discussing form, jockey tactics, and horse welfare with trainers and owners. Her presence added a touch of royal tradition to the day, reminding attendees of the long-standing link between the monarchy and British horse racing. Queen Elizabeth II was a devoted attendee in her lifetime, and Princess Anne continues that legacy with quiet dedication rather than fanfare.
Key races on St Patrick’s Thursday included the Ryanair Chase, a two-and-a-half-mile contest for staying chasers, and the Stayers’ Hurdle, a grueling three-mile test over hurdles. Irish-trained horses frequently excel on this day, and 2026 was no exception, with strong performances from raiders adding to the celebratory mood. Spectators huddled under cover or braved the open stands, cheering loudly as favorites and long shots battled through the soft ground.
The cold and rain made practical considerations essential. Many racegoers opted for layered clothing, waterproofs, and thermal accessories. Food stalls and bars did steady trade, with hot drinks, hearty soups, and warming dishes proving popular. The Princess Royal, known for her resilience in outdoor conditions from her eventing days, appeared unfazed, engaging warmly with those around her.
Cheltenham Festival 2026 overall drew huge crowds across its four days, despite variable weather throughout the week. St Patrick’s Thursday stood out for its cultural flair and competitive racing, even as the elements tested everyone’s endurance. Princess Anne’s attendance reinforced her status as one of the most consistent royal supporters of the sport, undeterred by a cold, wet day.
For fans and participants, the Festival remains a highlight of the jumping season, blending sporting excellence with social spectacle. The Princess Royal’s presence on such a day exemplified her enduring commitment to equestrian pursuits, standing trackside with fellow enthusiasts as rain fell and horses thundered past.
