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 splitting 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 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 said to be in leading kind as he tries to atone for his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan seems to be extremely pleased and we're anticipating Saturday, it will be a breaking race," said McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be an excellent race against and I guess we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to anticipate and hopefully he runs really well."


The New Lion was bought by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship conference 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 carry 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 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 success to a currently stellar project.


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


"He lost his way a bit however is back in top kind this year and has actually resembled the nice ground.


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