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

It might be an exciting afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday - and connections of The New Lion are anticipating "a cracking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champ Hurdle gown wedding 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 leading type as he tries to atone for his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be very delighted and we're anticipating Saturday, it will be a breaking race," said McManus' racing supervisor, Frank Berry.


"We'll know a lot more about him after Saturday and you've got to be thrilled to see him out on a great day's racing.


"It will be an excellent race versus Sir Gino and I guess we'll both find out a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to anticipate and hopefully he runs really 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 famous owner a record-extending 10th Champion Hurdle if effective in the spring.


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


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


McManus and Nicky Henderson might be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, however look most likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another victory to an already excellent campaign.


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


"He lost his method a bit but is back in leading form this year and has resembled the great ground.


"It was a great efficiency at Ascot in the Long Walk in what looked an excellent race on the day. Hopefully he can keep his excellent run of form going."