The new Lion Team Counting down to 'Breaking ´ 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 Champion Hurdle gown rehearsal against Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.


Already the very first and second favourites for the masterpiece, the duo are the star destinations 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 really happy and we're looking forward to Saturday, it will be a splitting 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 a great day's racing.


"It will be an excellent race against Sir Gino and I guess we'll both find out a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to eagerly 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 meeting and would provide the famous 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 two 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 become the very first to bring the green and gold to splendor in the race given that Epatante in 2020, Berry included: "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 likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to include another triumph to an already outstanding project.


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


"He lost his way a bit but is back in top form this year and has resembled the good ground.


"It was a great performance 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."