Cheltenham Festival: day three - in pictures

It's a muggy old day in Gloucestershire and the course at Cheltenham is shrouded during the early races Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The stands are packed but they won't be able to see much action in the distance, even with their binoculars Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Davy Russell takes victory in the opening race aboard Sir Des Champs Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

In the second race, Cape Tribulation narrowly beats Catch Me and Cantlow in the sprint to the finish Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

It's another tight affair in the Ryanair Chase. Here, Albetas Run leads the field over the final fence, but Riverside Theatre comes through to take the victory. Albertas Run finished second and Medermit third Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Barry Geraghty looks pleased as punch Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Riverside Theatre stands proud in the winner's enclosure. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Actor Jimmy Nesbitt holds aloft the trophy won by his horse. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Zara Phillips is here today and is sporting a rather strange hat Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Plenty of Guinness is being downed today. No doubt they've all put money on the big race which is coming up Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

In the day's main race, the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, Ruby Walsh guides Big Buck's to victory for the fourth consecutive time. What's more, it's Big Buck's' 16th win from 16 jumps races over the past four seasons. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Big Buck's was led to the front earlier than usual and was made to work hard in the closing stages as Voler La Vedette came charging up on the rail. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Big Buck's gets a huge round of applause as he leaves the winners enclosure Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian