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

It could be an exciting afternoon for JP McManus at on Saturday - and connections of The New Lion are expecting "a cracking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champ Hurdle gown practice session against 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 stated to be in top kind as he tries to atone for his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan appears to be very happy and we're looking forward to Saturday, it will be a cracking race," stated McManus' racing supervisor, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be an excellent race against Sir Gino and I think we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to look forward to and hopefully he runs truly 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 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 real hope The New Lion could become the very 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 reveal 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 collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to include another victory to an already outstanding campaign.


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


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


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