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

It could be an exciting afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday - and connections of The New Lion are expecting "a cracking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champ Hurdle dress rehearsal against Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.


Already the first and 2nd favourites for the Festival's opening-day showpiece, the duo are the on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner stated to be in top form as he tries to atone for his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan seems to be very happy and we're looking forward to Saturday, it will be a cracking race," said McManus' racing supervisor, Frank Berry.


"We'll know a lot more about him after Saturday and you have actually got to be excited to see him out on a terrific day's racing.


"It will be a fantastic race versus Sir Gino and I think we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to and ideally 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 provide the legendary 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 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 end up being the first to carry the green and gold to splendor in the race considering that 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 tell us a lot more."


McManus and Nicky Henderson may be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, however look likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another success to a currently excellent project.


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


"He lost his way a bit but is back in leading type this year and has actually been liking the great 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."