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 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 first and 2nd favourites for the Festival's opening-day showpiece, the duo are the star attractions on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner said to be in top type as he attempts to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be very pleased and we're anticipating Saturday, it will be a cracking race," said McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be an against Sir Gino and I guess we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to and ideally he runs really well."


The New Lion was purchased 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 effective 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 could become the very 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 phase 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, however look likely to team up 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 method a bit however is back in top kind this year and has resembled the great ground.


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