The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival will kick off on March 10, 2026, marked by the traditional roar. The Mirror is geared up to provide extensive coverage of the event, offering a complimentary shop bet from William Hill daily throughout the festival. Expect four thrilling days featuring top national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland battling it out on the track.
Speculations suggest a potential comeback by UK horses this year, challenging the recent dominance of Irish contenders. Notable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are set to lead a formidable Irish team. The prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup appears wide open, 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 alongside other strong contenders.
The Champion Hurdle promises excitement with last year’s champion, Golden Ace, aiming for another victory, while the Queen Mother Champion Chase has a standout favorite in Majborough. Trainer Nicky Henderson looks to make an impact on the first day with top picks like Old Park Star and Lulamba. Additionally, Dan Skelton brings his most robust team to compete throughout the week. Jockey Harry Cobden, in his final Cheltenham as the top jockey for Paul Nicholls, seeks a memorable finish aboard No Drama This End.
Mirror readers can enhance their festival experience by grabbing a copy of the Mirror starting March 7, 2026, to stay updated on all the action. Moreover, readers can enjoy a free shop bet at William Hill from March 10 to March 13, 2026. Additionally, signing up for the Punter’s Club newsletter will provide valuable insights during and after the Cheltenham Festival.
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