The New Lion Shaping Up Well For Potential Trials Day Blockbuster

Dan Skelton is delighting in a possible Cheltenham Festival Trials day showdown against Sir Gino with The New Lion after the best of the action over the joyful period.


The front-runner for the trainers' title has been steadfast in his belief his Festival winner has all the qualities to land the two-mile hurdling showpiece in March, despite falling in a remarkable Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.


And although seeing on while many have actually been mentioning their Cheltenham claims, Skelton has continued to be thrilled with his progress as he constructs towards a Champion Hurdle dress rehearsal in the Unibet Hurdle at Prestbury Park on January 24.


Skelton said: "The New Lion leapt on New Year's Day and leapt gorgeous. We have actually jumped him three times because he fell which's the happiest we've been with him.


"It seems like we might clash with Sir Gino on Trials day and we 'd eagerly anticipate that."


Set to join The New Lion at Cheltenham later this month is Skelton's Betfair Chase hero Grey Dawning, who will put his Gold Cup credentials to the test in the Cotswold Chase.


The New Lion ridden by Harry Skelton (left) gestures after winning the Turners Novices ´ Hurdle on day 2 of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Wednesday March 12, 2025.


Assessing the photo of some of the Festival's greatest occasions, Skelton included: "Grey Dawning looks fantastic as well as The New Lion, so we enjoy with what we have actually got and our plan.


"Whether the others reveal their hand now or not up until March, we understand the opposition is going to be tough to beat.


"I believe it's an extremely open Gold Cup because there are a lot of quality horses and I believe it's ending up being a slightly more concentrated Champion Hurdle. Sir Gino looked very great (in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day) and really quick, so I would say he's going to be extremely difficult to beat."