The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10, 2026, marked by the iconic roar. The Mirror will be your companion throughout the exhilarating event, offering readers a FREE shop bet each day courtesy of popular bookmaker William Hill. Witness four days of thrilling horse racing as top contenders from Britain and Ireland clash in the National Hunt. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you in the pages of your favorite racing publication:
Anticipations are high for a potential resurgence of UK horses this year, challenging the recent dominance of Irish contenders. Renowned trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott will spearhead a formidable Irish lineup. The Cheltenham Gold Cup boasts intense competition, with Mullins fielding top contenders like Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior. On the British front, The Jukebox Man, trained by Harry Redknapp, leads a strong challenge alongside Haiti Couleurs and champion jockey Sean Bowen vying for his maiden festival win.
The battle for the Champion Hurdle is wide open, with last year’s victor, Golden Ace, aiming for another upset. Meanwhile, the Queen Mother Champion Chase sees a standout favorite in Majborough. Trainer Nicky Henderson eyes a strong start with favorites Old Park Star and Lulamba in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Trophy respectively. Dan Skelton presents his most competitive team ever for the week. As he concludes his tenure as the primary jockey for Paul Nicholls, Harry Cobden strives for a victorious sign-off aboard No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to his new role with JP McManus.
Ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action by grabbing your copy of the Mirror starting from Saturday, March 7, 2026, your ultimate guide to this year’s festival. Additionally, don’t forget to claim your FREE William Hill shop bet from Tuesday, March 10, to Friday, March 13, 2026. Join our free Punter’s Club newsletter for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox during Cheltenham and beyond.
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