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

It could be an interesting afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday - and connections of The New Lion are anticipating "a breaking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champion Hurdle dress wedding rehearsal against 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 destinations on Trials day, with Dan Skelton's course winner said to be in leading type as he attempts to atone for his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan seems to be really pleased and we're looking forward to Saturday, it will be a splitting race," stated McManus' racing supervisor, 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 great day's racing.


"It will be a fantastic race against Sir Gino and I guess we'll both find out a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to eagerly anticipate and he runs truly 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 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 real hope The New Lion might end up being the very first to bring the green and gold to magnificence in the race because 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, but look likely to collaborate in the Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle where Long Walk hero Impose Toi will be out to add another success to an already stellar project.


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


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


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