The highly anticipated 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off on March 10, 2026, marked by the iconic roar, and the Mirror will be there to capture every exhilarating moment. This year, readers can enjoy a complimentary shop bet each day of the festival courtesy of William Hill, a favorite among fans. Over four days, spectators can witness top national hunt horses from Britain and Ireland showcasing their skills. Experts suggest that British horses may stage a comeback against recent Irish dominance, led by formidable trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is shaping up to be a competitive event, with contenders like Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, and Gaelic Warrior from Mullins’ stable. Meanwhile, British hopefuls, including The Jukebox Man and Haiti Couleurs, are poised to challenge for victory.
In addition, the Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase promise thrilling competitions, with last year’s winner Golden Ace and strong favorite Majborough in contention, respectively. Notably, trainer Nicky Henderson is expected to shine on the first day with favorites like Old Park Star and Lulamba. Further excitement awaits as jockey Harry Cobden aims for a memorable finish in his final Cheltenham under Paul Nicholls before moving on to JP McManus’ stable.
To be fully prepared for this year’s festival, be sure to grab your copy of the Mirror starting from March 7, 2026. Readers can also claim their free William Hill shop bet from March 10 to 13, 2026. Additionally, sign up for the Punter’s Club newsletter to receive valuable insights throughout Cheltenham and beyond. By joining the free racing club, Mirror readers have the opportunity to back potential winners and access exclusive offers and competitions.
The newly launched Punters Club provides members with news, tips, and analysis from top writers, along with exciting free ticket offers and competitions. All these benefits are delivered directly to your inbox, and membership is entirely free. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – click the link to join the club today!
(Note: This rewritten content is optimized for SEO and readability without altering any factual details from the original article.)
