The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival will kick off on March 10, 2026, marked by the renowned roar, and the Mirror is set to cover every exhilarating moment. This year, readers can enjoy a complimentary shop bet provided by William Hill each day of the festival. The four-day event will showcase top national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland competing fiercely, promising an unforgettable Cheltenham experience. Explore what awaits in your favorite racing paper:
Expectations are high for a potential comeback by UK horses against the recent dominance of Irish contenders. Notable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott will spearhead a formidable challenge from Ireland. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is wide open, with Mullins boasting three of the top five favorites, including dual winner Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior. On the British side, The Jukebox Man, trained by Harry Redknapp, leads a strong challenge, supported by contenders like Haiti Couleurs and champion jockey Sean Bowen vying for his first festival win.
In other key races, the Champion Hurdle presents an opportunity for last year’s winner, Golden Ace, to secure another victory, while the Queen Mother Champion Chase features a top favorite in Majborough. Trainer Nicky Henderson aims to shine on the first day with favorites Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Lulamba in the Arkle Trophy. Additionally, Dan Skelton brings his strongest team ever to Cheltenham, and jockey Harry Cobden seeks a winning finale with No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to a new role with JP McManus.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage by picking up your copy of the Mirror starting from Saturday, March 7, 2026, to enhance your festival experience. Don’t miss out on your FREE William Hill shop bet available from Tuesday, March 10, to Friday, March 13, 2026. Also, subscribe to our free Punter’s Club newsletter for exclusive insights during Cheltenham and beyond.
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