The Brand-new Lion Team Counting down to 'Cracking ´ Cheltenham Feature

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


Already the very first and 2nd favourites for the Festival's opening-day masterpiece, the duo are the star tourist attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner stated to be in leading form as he tries to atone for 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," stated McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


"We'll know a lot more about him after Saturday and you've 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 learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to and hopefully he runs truly well."


The New Lion was bought by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship meeting and would give 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 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 become the first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race since 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 might 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 include another victory to a currently stellar project.


"I think it's the objective to run," included Berry.


"He lost his method a bit however is back in top form this year and has resembled 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 good run of form going."