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

It might be an interesting 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 Champ Hurdle dress practice session against Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.


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


"Dan seems to be really happy and we're eagerly anticipating Saturday, it will be a cracking race," said McManus' racing supervisor, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be an against Sir Gino and I think we'll both discover a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to and hopefully he runs actually well."


The New Lion was purchased by McManus prior to winning the Turners Novices' Hurdle at last year's flagship conference and would offer 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 end up being the very first to bring the green and gold to glory in the race given that 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 might 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 add another triumph to an already stellar campaign.


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


"He lost his method a bit but is back in leading form this year and has actually been liking the good ground.


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