The 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 cracking 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 2nd favourites for the Festival's opening-day masterpiece, the duo are the star attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner said to be in form as he attempts to compensate 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 cracking race," said McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be a fantastic 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 truly well."


The New Lion was purchased by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship meeting and would give 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 might become the very first to carry the green and gold to glory in the race given 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 might be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, but look 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 outstanding project.


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


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


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