The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10th with the iconic roar, and the Mirror will be there to cover all the excitement. This year, readers can enjoy a FREE daily shop bet courtesy of William Hill throughout the festival. The event promises four thrilling days of top-class horse racing, featuring the finest national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits in your go-to racing paper:
Expectations are high for a strong showing from UK horses amidst recent Irish dominance. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott will lead a formidable challenge from Ireland, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup shaping up to be a competitive affair. Notable contenders include dual winner Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior from Mullins’ stable. The British camp is bolstered by The Jukebox Man, trained by Harry Redknapp, along with Haiti Couleurs and champion jockey Sean Bowen eyeing his first festival victory.
The Champion Hurdle is up for grabs, with last year’s champion Golden Ace aiming for another surprise win. The Queen Mother Champion Chase sees strong favoritism towards Majborough. Nicky Henderson could steal the show on day one with Old Park Star in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Lulamba in the Arkle Trophy. Meanwhile, Dan Skelton brings his most competitive squad to the festival. As Harry Cobden’s final Cheltenham as top jockey for Paul Nicholls approaches, he seeks a triumphant farewell aboard No Drama This End in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle before transitioning to his new role with JP McManus.
Mirror readers are in for a treat starting March 7, 2026, as they grab their essential companion for this year’s festival. Don’t miss the chance to claim your FREE William Hill shop bet from March 10th to 13th, 2026. Additionally, sign up for our Punter’s Club newsletter to receive valuable insights straight to your inbox throughout Cheltenham and beyond.
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