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

It could be an exciting afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday - and of The New Lion are expecting "a breaking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champ Hurdle dress practice session versus Sir Gino in the Unibet Hurdle.


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


"Dan appears to be extremely happy and we're anticipating Saturday, it will be a splitting race," stated McManus' racing supervisor, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be a terrific race 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 ideally he runs really well."


The New Lion was purchased 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 successful 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 genuine hope The New Lion might become the very first to carry the green and gold to magnificence in the race given 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 inform us a lot more."


McManus and Nicky Henderson may be on opposing sides in the Unibet Hurdle, however look most 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 believe it's the intention to run," added Berry.


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


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