The new Lion Team Counting down to 'Breaking ´ 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 wedding rehearsal 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 tourist attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner stated to be in leading type as he attempts to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be extremely 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 have actually got to be excited to see him out on an excellent day's racing.


"It will be a fantastic race versus Sir Gino and I guess we'll both find out a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to eagerly anticipate and he runs actually well."


The New Lion was purchased by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship meeting 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 real hope The New Lion might end up being the first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race given that 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 likely to team up in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to include another victory to an already excellent project.


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


"He lost his method a bit however is back in top form this year and has actually been liking the good 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 excellent run of form going."