The renowned Cheltenham Festival of 2026 is set to kick off on March 10 with the traditional roar, and the Mirror will be there to cover all the exciting moments. This year, readers can enjoy a complimentary shop bet every day of the festival courtesy of William Hill, a favorite among fans. Over four days, spectators will witness top-notch national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland competing fiercely, promising an unforgettable Cheltenham experience. Here’s a glimpse of what the racing paper has in store for you:
Experts are suggesting a potential resurgence of UK horses this year amidst recent Irish dominance. Notable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are expected to present a strong challenge from Ireland. The Cheltenham Gold Cup appears wide open, with Mullins boasting three top contenders, including dual winner Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior. The British contingent, led by Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man, is equally formidable, featuring entries like Haiti Couleurs and champion jockey Sean Bowen vying for his first festival victory.
The Champion Hurdle offers an opportunity for last year’s winner Golden Ace to shine once more, while the Queen Mother Champion Chase has a frontrunner in Majborough. Trainer Nicky Henderson aims to outshine the Irish on the first day with favorites like Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Lulamba in the Arkle Trophy. Dan Skelton is fielding his strongest team ever throughout the week. In his final Cheltenham as the primary jockey for Paul Nicholls, Harry Cobden is eager to secure a win on No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to his new role for JP McManus.
Don’t miss out on the Mirror starting from Saturday, March 7, 2026, for comprehensive coverage of this year’s festival. Additionally, grab your FREE William Hill shop bet from Tuesday, March 10, to Friday, March 13, 2026. Be sure to sign up for the free Punter’s Club newsletter to receive valuable insights directly to your inbox during and after Cheltenham.
Mirror readers have the chance to back a winning horse by joining our complimentary racing club. The newly launched Punters Club will provide members with news, tips, and analyses from our top writers, along with exclusive offers for free tickets and competitions. All these benefits will be conveniently delivered to your email inbox, and the best part is, our club is completely free!
Don’t miss this opportunity – click the link to join the Punters Club for free today! (https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/join-exclusive-punters-club-free-32300147)
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