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

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


Already the 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 said to be in leading form as he tries to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


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


"It will be a fantastic race against Sir Gino and I guess we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to anticipate and ideally 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 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 end up being the first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race considering that Epatante in 2020, Berry included: "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 triumph to an already outstanding project.


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


"He lost his method a bit however is back in leading form this year and has actually resembled the .


"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 good run of type going."