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

It could be an amazing afternoon for JP McManus at Cheltenham on Saturday - and connections of The New Lion are anticipating "a cracking race" when their Festival winner lines up for a Champ Hurdle gown wedding rehearsal versus Sir Gino in the .


Already the very first and 2nd 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 leading type as he attempts to compensate his fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in late November.


"Dan seems to be very happy and we're anticipating Saturday, it will be a breaking race," said McManus' racing manager, Frank Berry.


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


"It will be a great race versus Sir Gino and I guess we'll both learn a lot and see where we slot in. It's one to anticipate and hopefully he runs actually well."


The New Lion was bought 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 could end up being the very first to bring the green and gold to magnificence in the race since Epatante in 2020, Berry added: "He's got a bit to go to reveal he's at that stage yet and we'll keep dreaming and Saturday will tell us a lot more."


McManus and Nicky Henderson may 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 triumph to a currently stellar campaign.


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


"He lost his method a bit but is back in leading type this year and has actually 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 kind going."