Harry Skelton: we hope The New Lion can be Champion Hurdle class

Jockey Harry Skelton has indicated that unbeaten winner The New Lion will head down the route next season. 

Speaking to Star Sports, the rider said a “really exciting” future lies ahead for the six-year-old, although The New Lion – trained by the Skelton’s brother Dan - will not race again this season after four hurdles starts this term which culminated in Festival glory. 

Skelton said: I’ve always had a lot of belief in this horse – he’s just a bit different to the other novices I’ve ridden. 

“You don’t see the speed he has on the track at home really, he shows it where it matters. 

“He got a lovely tow into the race behind Paul [Townend] on . He travelled and jumped great, and once I switched him out he stuck his head out and battled on really well. He’d never had to do that before but it was nice to see that he can tough it out.

A lot of horses who have won the Turners in the past have come back in trip and gone on to a Champion Hurdle. We hope he can do that and he’s certainly not a slow horse. It’s really exciting going forward. 

“He’s done plenty this season, so we’ll put him away now and then make a plan for next season over the summer.”

Several Cheltenham also-rans from the Skelton stable are in contention for the Randox Festival next month, including L’Eau Du Sud – fourth in the yet only beaten 1½ lengths in arguably the finish of the week.

“He ran well in the Arkle,” said the Star Sports ambassador. 

“He travelled and jumped really strongly and got left in front a bit sooner than I’d have wanted when made the mistake at the second last, who you’d have to say was an unlucky loser. 

“There were no complaints at all from us. Going forward, we can hold him up a bit and maybe put a pair of cheekpieces on him.

"He’s come out of the race really well, so he’ll go to for the two-mile novice chase.” 

Take No Chances could also head to Merseyside after her third at 22/1 in the , with Skelton hailing “an absolute cracker” from his mare. 

“We rode her to come home strong and that’s exactly what she did,” said the rider. “She’s been an absolute credit to herself this season and has given her owners a lot of fun. 

“She also might be out at Aintree in a few weeks.”

At a meeting where questions were raised about the race programme – most notably with the late defection of Mares’ Hurdle winner from the Champion Hurdle – Skelton provided a different view in his Star Sports column. 

Discussing the fourth of Protektorat, the rider said: “He kept on gamely, but you have to say that was absolutely fantastic. 

“I know some people say he should have been running in the , but until the powers that be do something, as an owner or trainer you run your horse in the race you think you’ve got the best chance to win.  

“You’re there to win, it’s as simple as that.” 

While Sean Bowen looks in pole position to be crowned Champion Jockey for the first time, Skelton is in control in the inaugural , with the final day of the season-long race on the second day – Friday – of the Grand National Festival. 

“There are only four days left in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup. I’ve got a decent lead of 78 points and hopefully I‘ve made it difficult for the guys behind to catch me. I still need to pick up a few points, though, and I’ll be going all out to do that at and Aintree.”