As we move into 2025, the opening phase of the National Hunt campaign has witnessed several stellar performances in the Novice Hurdle division. The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Potters Charm looks like a star in the making, whilst Anzadam and The Yellow Clay have made quite an impression in Ireland. The above trio look set to make their presence felt in the Grade 1 events to come, but perhaps the most exciting prospect is the unbeaten Dan Skelton runner, The New Lion.
Four from four in his career to date, the six-year-old has sported the black silks of Darren and Annaley Yates with distinction since making his debut in April. Beginning life in Bumpers, he is now well-fancied to strike at the biggest meeting of the jumps racing year. If The New Lion makes it to the Cheltenham Festival, he will line up not in black but in the colours of one of the most famous owners in the sport.
Black Turns to Green and Gold
Sunday brought the news that The New Lion had been sold for an undisclosed sum to 16-time Champion Jumps Owner JP McManus. We can only speculate on the amount paid, but with Darren Yates previously suggesting that only a “really silly offer” would tempt him to sell, it seems safe to assume that The New Lion didn’t come cheap. The silks may change, but the trainer remains the same, with The New Lion set to remain in the care of Dan Skelton.
Another great couple of days…
THE NEW LION winning @Chepstow_Racing
A double @NewtonAbbotRace with MAJOR FORTUNE & CATCH HIM DERRY winning.
Congratulations to all the winning connections.
Top work TEAM SKELTON pic.twitter.com/e4IP7lluJh
— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) October 31, 2024
The sale of The New Lion seems likely to be the first of many, with Darren Yates revealing that he and his wife intend to sell their entire string and leave the sport. The owners, most famous for the exploits of Grade 1 winning star Blaklion, suggested that the lack of support for owners lay behind the decision when stating:
“I find prize money a little bit depressing, I always have done. The owners are never looked after properly. How are they going to carry on without looking after the owners? I just don’t get it. I don’t think owners are looked after anywhere near well enough.”
What Is McManus Getting for his Money?
Like Blaklion, The New Lion is sired by star National Hunt stallion Kayf Tara. His dam, Raitera, was unraced at the track but has produced the Listed winner, El Presente, and The New Lion’s full sister and stablemate, Kateira, who bagged a Listed event at Kempton in November.
The New Lion has already surpassed the best efforts of El Presente and Kateira. Well-backed ahead of his Bumper debut in April, he rewarded supporters with an impressive success by more than five lengths. Returning to the track in October, he barely came off the bridle to make a winning start over hurdles. His next task at Newbury may have looked tougher on paper but produced a similar result. With Harry Skelton exuding confidence, The New Lion sauntered home three lengths clear of the field.
Three wins in as many starts booked The New Lion’s ticket for the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury. Stepping into battle against Grade 2 winner Bill Joyce and the £660,000 horse Regent’s Stroll presented his stiffest challenge yet. He passed it with flying colours. In what is becoming customary style, The New Lion loomed into contention under a near-motionless Harry Skelton before cruising to a mightily impressive victory by just shy of five lengths.
Strong Addition to Cheltenham Team
It is hard to think of an easier Grade 1 winner in 2024/25 than The New Lion in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle. Unsurprisingly, that emphatic display didn’t escape the attention of the layers. No bigger than 4/1 for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle on the day after his Newbury exploits, he is now a best price of 11/4 for the opening event on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival.
With 78 previous wins, JP McManus is the most successful owner in the history of the Cheltenham Festival. The acquisition of The New Lion adds another ace to a 2024/25 team, which includes Fact To File, Majborough, Jonbon, and more. It would take a brave man to bet against McManus adding to his record-setting tally in March.