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 expecting "a splitting race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champion Hurdle dress rehearsal versus Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.


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


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


"We'll understand a lot more about him after Saturday and you've got to be excited to see him out on a fantastic 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 he runs really well."


The New Lion was bought by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship conference and would give 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 genuine hope The New Lion could become the very first to bring the green and gold to splendor in the race considering that Epatante in 2020, Berry included: "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 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 a currently excellent project.


"I believe it's the intention to run," added Berry.


"He lost his way a bit however is back in top kind this year and has actually been liking the great ground.


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