St Patrick's Day results from Cheltenham Festival

As the 2012 Cheltenham Festival St Patrick's Day results are in, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup site reviews the winners from the afternoon, paying particular attention to shock victories, unexpected performances and how favourites fared on the day. In preparation for the next day at Cheltenham Festival, the site also runs through its Cheltenham Gold Cup betting predictions for the greatly anticipated final day.

St Patrick's Thursday kick started with an unexpected win from Sir Des Champ. While it was widely expected that Peddlers Cross would gain first position in the Jewson Novices Steeple Chase, his lack lustre run meant that the horse ended up in eighth position. Sir Des Champ's strong performance means that many are already looking forward to his expected 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup performance.

Riverside Theatre confirmed expectations by placing first in the Ryanair Chase. Coming in close second, Alberta's Run put up a strong fight during the race. While he performed with vigour and kept a strong pace throughout, Riverside Theatre managed to pull out in front along the final stretch.

During the World Hurdle, another favourite managed to gain first position. Big Buck's won the race for the fourth time, a record-breaking achievement for the competitor. Just like Riverside Theatre, the horse did not enjoy an easy race as Voler La Vedette fought for first position throughout the home straight.

With the last day of Cheltenham Festival drawing ever nearer, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup site offers Gold Cup betting tips for the afternoon ahead. For the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Pearl Swan looks set to race well. The horse has significantly improved his form over the past season, outperforming a number of his Triumph Hurdle competitors along the way. During the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, it appears as though Boston Bob is likely to win as he has also seriously bettered his form over the past few months.

The biggest race of the week - the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup - looks set to be a close call between Long Run and Kauto Star. While Long Run won the race in 2011, many are predicting that Kauto Star will be able to outrun his opponent just as he has done in the recent Betfair Chase and King George VI Chase.

For more information on the Cheltenham Gold Cup day, visit www.betfredcheltenhamgoldcup.com - a bettors' guide to the 2012 Cheltenham Festival.

Lauren Knowles

Cheltenham Festival first took place in 1911, and is now one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar. The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup is regarded as the highlight of this special event. Those hoping to visit the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, as well as fans of horse racing, can now get all the information they need from Betfredcheltenhamgoldcup.com. This website contains all the latest news and betting tips, travel information, race schedules and Cheltenham odds.