The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10th, 2026, marked by the traditional roar, and the Mirror will be there to cover all the excitement. This year, in collaboration with William Hill, we are offering a complimentary shop bet to our readers each day of the festival. The four-day event will showcase top national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland competing fiercely. Here’s a preview of what readers can expect:
Speculations suggest a possible resurgence of UK horses against recent Irish dominance at this year’s festival. Notable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott will lead a formidable Irish challenge. 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. On the British front, The Jukebox Man, trained by Harry Redknapp, leads a robust challenge alongside Haiti Couleurs and champion jockey Sean Bowen vying for his first festival win.
The upcoming Champion Hurdle offers an opportunity for last year’s victor, Golden Ace, to stage another surprise victory. Meanwhile, the Queen Mother Champion Chase has a strong favorite in Majborough. Trainer Nicky Henderson aims to outshine the Irish on the first day with top picks Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Lulamba in the Arkle Trophy. Additionally, Dan Skelton presents his most competitive team to date. In his final Cheltenham as the No. 1 jockey for Paul Nicholls, Harry Cobden will strive for victory aboard No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to his new role for JP McManus.
To ensure you don’t miss out on the action, grab your copy of the Mirror starting March 7, 2026, and enjoy a FREE shop bet at William Hill from March 10 to March 13, 2026. Also, sign up for our Punter’s Club newsletter for exclusive insights during the Cheltenham festival and beyond.
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