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

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


Already the first and 2nd favourites for the Festival's opening-day showpiece, the duo are the star destinations on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner stated to be in top kind as he attempts to atone for his fall in the Fighting 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 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 against Sir Gino and I think we'll both find out a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to 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 famous 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 end up being the first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race since Epatante in 2020, Berry added: "He's got a bit to go to reveal he's at that phase 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 team up in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to include another success to an already excellent campaign.


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


"He lost his method a bit but is back in top kind this year and has resembled the nice ground.


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