Carol Vorderman stuns in green with other racegoers as they go for traditional St Patrick’s Day theme at Cheltenham

THOUSANDS of racegoers will be hoping the luck of the Irish is on their side today as St Patrick’s Thursday kicks off at Cheltenham.

Day three of the racing bonanza is underway and many glamorous attendees are wearing bold, green ensembles in honour of the occasion.

SplashStylish Carol Vorderman dazzled at Cheltenham today wearing a striking green coat[/caption]

SplashThis chic racegoer made us green with envy donning a stylish coat[/caption]

PAThe day got underway with drinks, betting and lots of tweed[/caption]

SplashOne punter looked stylish in a grey tweed dress and knee-high boots[/caption]

SplashOne guest braved the cold in a beautiful green dress with a large statement bow[/caption]

SplashRevellers enjoyed drinks as they flocked to the famous racing event[/caption]

SplashCarol Vorderman looked snug in a bright green coat with a fur trim[/caption]

SplashOne guest looked sensational in green, pairing a green coat with her matching handbag[/caption]

SplashThere were smiles all around as the races kicked off on St Patrick’s Thursday[/caption]

ReutersMike and Zara Tindall coordinated with burgundy accessories for the races[/caption]

Max MumbyThe royal pair puckered up for a smooch as they arrived at the racecourse[/caption]

PAWomen are embracing the St Patrick’s day theme wearing green scarves[/caption]

SplashTwo well-heeled attendees put their best fashion feet forwards at Cheltenham[/caption]

PAA racegoer arriving ahead of day three of the Cheltenham Festival dressed head to toe in green[/caption]

Daring mini dresses have been all the rage at Cheltenham today and guests appear in high spirits for today’s event. 

And many are clearly hoping their shamrock-themed outfits will bring them luck with their bets today.

And it’s not just the ladies having fun with the dress code.

Numerous men have flocked to the racecourse matching green suits – with themed shamrock ties and hats – with the occasion guest dressed in a fluffy ginger beard.

Cheltenham Festival 2023 is running over four days – from Tuesday to Friday – at Prestbury Park Racecourse, also known as Cheltenham Racecourse.

Each day ITV are broadcasting five of the seven races and coverage will kick off on ITV1 at 1pm and finish at 4.30pm each day.

Around 250,000 people are expected to attend over the course of the four-day event.

Last year was the first time crowds have been allowed back to the Cheltenham Festival since the 2020 meeting when the coronavirus pandemic kicked in.

We recently shared how horse racing has officially ditched its formal dress code with immediate effect – meaning punters can wear what they want to Cheltenham Festival.

The Jockey Club has said racegoers can wear what they like, within reason, at any of their 15 racecourses.

The only exception to the new rule is the Queen Elizabeth II stand on Epsom Derby Day – and those racecourses not owned by The Jockey Club including the likes of Ascot and its Royal meeting.

‘Offensive’ fancy dress or offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts remain on the banned list.

Bosses said the radical move was a bid to make racing more ‘accessible and inclusive’ – although Nigel Farage said it was a sign there are ‘no standards left in this country’.

Rather than digging out the old tweed, chiefs want punters to ‘dress as you feel most comfortable and confident’.

Explaining the decision, Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive at The Jockey Club, said: “Horseracing has always been a sport enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds and it’s really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.

“We hope that by no longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn’t wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.”

SunSport has you covered here for all the runners and riders, with our race-by-race schedule, TV and streaming guide.

Excitement seems high at the Cheltenham racecourse as guests flock to the popular meetSportsfile

PAThe men have also got into the St Patrick’s theme too, wearing matching green suits[/caption]

ReutersMany people fully embraced the theme at the racecourse[/caption]