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

It might be an interesting 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 Champion Hurdle dress practice session 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 on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner said to be in leading form as he attempts to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be really delighted and we're anticipating Saturday, it will be a cracking race," stated McManus' racing manager, 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 a great day's racing.


"It will be a great race versus Sir Gino and I think we'll both discover a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to and hopefully 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 provide the legendary 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 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 could end up being the first to bring the green and gold to magnificence in the race because 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 tell us a lot more."


McManus and Nicky Henderson may be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, but look most likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another victory to a currently stellar campaign.


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


"He lost his method a bit but is back in leading form this year and has been liking the nice ground.


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