The New Lion - Horse Profile & Next Race Odds

Dan Skelton (07 April 2026): "I am tempted to run The New Lion in the Aintree Hurdle on the first day. He has come out of Cheltenham well and we thought two miles four trip was more his trip before we tried him at two miles. I’m not saying he’s not a two miler but obviously he is more at home over two and half miles, and I would hope he would go very well."

Dan Skelton (26 February 2026): "The New Lion is in great form and he looks magnificent. His season had a rocky start, and he ended up where you don’t want to end up but I learned a good bit about him that day. The one thing that was unanswered coming into the season was how would step down in trip and whether he had the speed to deal with two miles. I think he answered that pretty conclusively that day despite hitting the floor and he only enhanced that opinion when we ran on Trials Day. Of course, it was a bit of a non-event, and they went slow and he beat two horses on ratings he should have beaten but I just like the way he showed that speed that day. He was sure with his feet that day and Harry held into the bottom of the hurdles and he was quick with his feet. I like what I have seen at home and his physical condition - I wouldn’t swap him. I’ve never had an ambition to go to Kempton, so I don’t think we’ve missed a race and the only thing missing from his CV was a clear round or a high place in a Fighting Fifth. We were always going to do what we have done. I was a bit surprised we were favourite for the Champion Hurdle in the summer as overs had achieved more over two miles, but I’m not surprised he is nearly favourite now. I think we have all the bits we need to go and win a Champion Hurdle but that’s coming from a man that’s never won one. Obviously, I have never had a better chance but all the things that he has got are required necessities for it. The Champion Hurdle will surely turn into a staying race as it always does with a strong gallop, and you have to stay it well. He isn’t a fabulous work horse, but when he gets to the track he really gives you everything. I am really happy with him, and his condition is absolutely fantastic."

Dan Skelton (16 October 2025): "He has had a good summer and looks fantastic, and I have made no secret of the fact that we want to go down the Champion Hurdle route. I don’t think the step back in trip to two miles will be an issue and we are going to let the races pan out for him. We want to start off in the Fighting Fifth so let’s hope for plenty of cut in the ground up at Newcastle. We will see what we do and where we go after."

Show more