Dan Skelton: The New Lion and Grey Dawning updates

Dan Skelton has revealed thatThe New Lion has taken in a racecourse gallop at Worcester ahead of his potential blockbuster clash with Constitution Hill in BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. 

The JP McManus-owned six-year-old looked a star of the future last season after maintaining his unbeaten status culminating with an impressive victory in the Grade One Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. 

Plans are now in place to drop the Kayf Tara gelding back in trip to an extended two miles for the Grade One prize at Gosforth Park on November 29, where he could lock horns for the first time with 2023 Unibet Champion Hurdle hero Constitution Hill. 

And in order to step up his preparations for his eagerly awaited comeback Skelton recently sent his stable star for a spin around the Worcestershire track. 

Skelton said: “The New Lion remains on course for the Fighting Fifth up at Newcastle later this month. 

“He has been around Worcester for a racecourse gallop. He just had a gallop around there and he didn’t jump anything. The feedback from it was positive.

“He will have a go on our grass gallop next week. Hopefully, we will then head to Newcastle for some nice soft ground up there.”

Before The New Lion bids for Grade One glory stablemate Grey Dawning will get the chance to secure his second Grade One success by going one better than 12 months ago in the Betfair Chase up Haydock Park on November 22.

Skelton added: “I’m very happy with him. We are less than a fortnight away from the Betfair Chase now and I’m looking forward to it. 

“If the ground stays nice then he should be favourite, but if it is slower then it suits Royale Pagaille, who although is getting no younger, loves those conditions. 

“We hope we get a dry day as we felt last year it just went against us with the weather at the last minute, but that is racing.”