The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10, 2026, with the traditional roar that marks the beginning of the event. The Mirror will be providing extensive coverage of the festival, ensuring readers don’t miss any of the exciting moments. This year, readers can enjoy a daily FREE shop bet courtesy of William Hill throughout the four-day festival. Witness top national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland compete in thrilling races, and stay informed with all the essential details for an unforgettable Cheltenham experience.
Experts are speculating a resurgence from UK horses to challenge the recent dominance of Irish contenders. Notable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are expected to lead a formidable Irish contingent. The Cheltenham Gold Cup presents an open field with Mullins boasting strong contenders like Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior. On the British side, The Jukebox Man, trained by Harry Redknapp, leads a competitive lineup that includes Haiti Couleurs and Sean Bowen vying for his first festival victory.
The Champion Hurdle promises excitement as last year’s winner, Golden Ace, aims for another triumph. Meanwhile, the Queen Mother Champion Chase sees a strong favorite in Majborough. Nicky Henderson’s stable could shine on day one with favorites like Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Lulamba in the Arkle Trophy. Additionally, Dan Skelton is set to present his strongest team yet during the festival. As jockey Harry Cobden prepares for a new role with JP McManus, he aims to conclude his tenure as No 1 jockey to Paul Nicholls with a victory aboard No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.
Ensure you don’t miss a beat by grabbing your copy of the Mirror starting from Saturday, March 7, 2026, to stay updated throughout the festival. Readers can also enjoy a FREE William Hill shop bet from Tuesday, March 10, to Friday, March 13, 2026. Additionally, sign up for the Punter’s Club newsletter to receive valuable insights directly to your inbox during and after the Cheltenham event.
Mirror readers have the opportunity to join the FREE racing club for a chance to back a winning horse. The newly launched Punters Club offers exclusive news, tips, and analysis from top writers, along with fantastic free ticket offers and exclusive competitions. All these benefits are delivered straight to your email inbox, and membership to the club is entirely free!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity – simply click on the provided link to join the club for free today! (Sign up for individuals aged 25 and above. Terms and conditions apply, refer to the provided form for details.)