The New Lion Targets Challow Hurdle

Five-year-old The New Lion made a stunning hurdling debut at Chepstow, catching the eye of trainer Dan Skelton, who now plans to aim him at the Grade One Challow Hurdle. Following a promising bumper debut win at Market Rasen in the spring, The New Lion was heavily favoured at 10-11 to transition smoothly to hurdles in the Colourfence Newport Long Life Garden Railings Maiden Hurdle—and he didn’t disappoint.

Tracking his main rival, Belliano, into the home straight, The New Lion took charge between the final two hurdles and surged ahead, winning comfortably by nearly five lengths. Skelton expressed his excitement about the gelding’s potential, stating, “We hoped he would be special...they’ve got to go out there and show their suitability for hurdling.” Skelton also noted that last year they delayed The New Lion's debut due to his development, but patience has paid off as he has now displayed both maturity and talent over hurdles.

The New Lion’s odds for the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival were promptly shortened from 40-1 to 25-1 following his performance. Skelton plans to give him one more outing before tackling the Challow Hurdle at Newbury on December 28, emphasising the importance of assessing his pecking order within the stable’s promising roster. “We’ve always felt this horse was very well up there,” Skelton added, signalling high hopes for this emerging hurdling star.