The New Lion can give JP McManus perfect Cheltenham birthday present

The New Lions surrendered his unbeaten record in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle but returned to winning ways at Cheltenham trials day. The suspicion is we have seen his best form. It should materialise in the Champion Hurdle

The New Lion was an impressive winner of the The Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham 2025. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The New Lion can give JP McManus the perfect 75th birthday present by roaring to victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the feature race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

McManus is the most successful owner in Champion Hurdle history, a record The New Lion can enhance by carrying his famous green and gold silks to victory for a 10th time.