The Brand-new Lion Team Counting down to 'Splitting ´ Cheltenham Feature

It could be an amazing afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday - and connections of The New Lion are anticipating "a breaking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champion Hurdle gown practice session versus Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.


Already the very first and second favourites for the Festival's opening-day showpiece, the duo are the star attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner stated to be in top form as he attempts to atone for his fall in the Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be really delighted and we're eagerly anticipating Saturday, it will be a breaking race," stated McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


"We'll understand a lot more about him after Saturday and you have actually got to be excited to see him out on a great day's racing.


"It will be an excellent race versus Sir Gino and I think we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to eagerly anticipate and ideally he runs actually well."


The New Lion was purchased by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship conference and would offer the legendary owner a record-extending 10th Champion Hurdle if successful in the spring.


The New Lion ridden by Harry Skelton (left) wins the Turners Novices ´ Hurdle on day 2 of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025.


When asked if there is genuine hope The New Lion could become the very first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race considering that Epatante in 2020, Berry added: "He's got a bit to go to show he's at that phase yet and we'll keep dreaming and Saturday will inform us a lot more."


McManus and Nicky Henderson may be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, but look most likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another success to an already stellar project.


"I think it's the objective to run," included Berry.


"He lost his method a bit however is back in top type this year and has actually resembled the good ground.


"It was a great performance at Ascot in the Long Walk in what looked a good race on the day. Hopefully he can keep his great run of kind going."