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The New Lion

Horse Form Profile

Age: 7 years

Trainer: Dan Skelton

Owner: John P McManus

Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

The New Lion

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Broadly progressive; has gone down the Champion Hurdle route this season and ran well in that race most recently, while leaving the impression he's ready for a return to further than 2m; leading novice hurdler at about 2m4f last term, winning the Challow and the Turners (both on good to soft ground); still unbeaten over this sort of distance and commands respect.

15/8

3rd

4

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

The New Lion

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Bids to emulate Istabraq, Hardy Eustace and Faugheen by winning the Champion Hurdle a year after landing the 2m5f Grade 1 novice hurdle at this meeting; held a 1l lead, still not under maximum pressure, when falling two out in the Fighting Fifth on reappearance; unbeaten otherwise and is better than the bare form he showed in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft) last time when the steady pace wasn't conducive to an ideal test; still has plenty of potential in open company and commands respect, especially with a stronger gallop seemingly on the cards.

11/4

1st

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

15:00 Cheltenham

The New Lion

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Has raced only on soft/good to soft; one of two notable fallers in the Fighting Fifth in sole start this term, holding a 1l lead and still not under maximum pressure when coming down two out; unbeaten (5-5) previously and was impressive in the Challow prior to following up at the Cheltenham Festival last season for a Grade 1 novice double (2m4f/2m5f); remains a very promising hurdler and still one with serious Champion Hurdle claims.

15/8

1st

10

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:20 Cheltenham

The New Lion

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

towards rear

15/8

1st

6

28th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 1

14:55 Newbury

The New Lion

11st 7lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Improving 5yo who has comfortably justified favouritism in all three starts, latest in Newbury contest (2m4f, good to soft) that was a stepping stone for the Challow winners in 2020 and 2021; brings excellent credentials and commands respect.

6/4