The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10, 2026, marked by the iconic roar that signals the start of the event. The Mirror will be providing comprehensive coverage of all the exciting moments throughout the festival. Readers can benefit from a complimentary daily shop bet courtesy of William Hill during the four-day extravaganza, ensuring they don’t miss out on any of the action.
Expectations are high for a strong performance from UK horses this year in response to recent Irish dominance. Notable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are prepared to lead a formidable challenge from Ireland. The Cheltenham Gold Cup appears wide open, with Mullins boasting top 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 seeking his first festival win.
The Champion Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase present exciting opportunities, with last year’s winner Golden Ace aiming for another victory and Majborough emerging as a strong favorite, respectively. Trainer Nicky Henderson is poised to make a mark on the first day with top picks in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle Trophy. Additionally, Dan Skelton will field his most robust team yet, while jockey Harry Cobden looks to secure a win in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to a new role with JP McManus.
Mirror readers can enhance their festival experience by grabbing a copy of the publication starting March 7, 2026, to stay updated on all the festival highlights. In addition, readers can enjoy a free William Hill shop bet from March 10 to March 13, 2026. By signing up for the free Punter’s Club newsletter, readers can receive valuable insights directly to their inbox during the Cheltenham Festival and beyond.
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