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

It could be an interesting 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 Champ 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 star destinations on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner said to be in top kind as he attempts to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be extremely happy and we're looking forward to Saturday, it will be a splitting race," stated McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be a terrific race versus 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 bought 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 real hope The New Lion might become the very first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race since 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 may be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, however look most likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another success to an already outstanding campaign.


"I think it's the intention to run," added Berry.


"He lost his way a bit however is back in form this year and has actually been liking the nice ground.


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