The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10, 2026, with the iconic roar marking the beginning of the thrilling event. The Mirror will be your dedicated companion throughout the festival, offering a complimentary shop bet from William Hill for our readers daily. With four days of exhilarating horse racing action featuring top national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland, we are geared up to ensure this year’s Cheltenham Festival is nothing short of extraordinary.
Experts are speculating on a potential comeback by UK horses this season despite recent Irish dominance. Noteworthy trainers like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are expected to present a formidable challenge from Ireland. The Cheltenham Gold Cup appears wide open, with Mullins fielding strong contenders such as Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior. On the British front, The Jukebox Man, trained by Harry Redknapp, leads a competitive lineup that includes Haiti Couleurs and champion jockey Sean Bowen vying for his maiden festival victory.
The Champion Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase promise intense competitions, with last year’s Champion Hurdle winner, Golden Ace, aiming for another upset and Majborough emerging as a strong favorite in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Nicky Henderson is anticipated to shine on the first day with favorites like Old Park Star and Lulamba, while Dan Skelton showcases his strongest team across the week. In what marks his final Cheltenham as the top jockey for Paul Nicholls, Harry Cobden is eager to secure a victory aboard No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to his new role with JP McManus.
To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action, grab your copy of the Mirror starting from Saturday, March 7, 2026, to stay updated throughout the festival. Additionally, claim your FREE William Hill shop bet from Tuesday, March 10, until Friday, March 13, 2026. Be sure to sign up for our Punter’s Club newsletter for exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox during and beyond the Cheltenham Festival.
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