Turners Novices’ Hurdle

(Grade 1)

WHAT was billed as a match between Britain and Ireland’s best mid-range distance novice hurdlers went the way of a sublime star for the home team, as Dan and Harry Skelton’s immense faith in The New Lion was fully justified in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

Final Demand was sent off the 6/4 favourite to get day two off to a flying start for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, but the Dublin Racing Festival scorer was found wanting for the type of pace demonstrated by J.P. McManus’ new recruit from Darren Yates.

The winner was surprisingly sent off third in the market at 3/1 behind The Yellow Clay, who was punted strongly all morning and ran a belter in second, while Final Demand was a further four and three quarter lengths back in third.

Speaking after bringing up McManus’ 80th Festival winner, Dan Skelton said: “Our mouths probably ran away with us a bit early in the season, but he just looked so good. Harry gave him an outstanding ride there - so patient. What a great ride, and the horse was phenomenal. I just trusted him, and going to the last with them coming there, I believed he would win. I always believed he would win, in my heart. It just felt like it would take a very good one to get past.

“I’m so, so proud of the whole team. We found him as an unbroken three-year-old in an indoor school, actually where I was born at Sandal House Farm, and it just felt like it was meant to be all the way through. He’s brilliant, very, very special. I haven’t had one who can do things like this one. His simplicity is his greatest asset.”

Harry Skelton added: “It felt like a good race; they went a nice, even gallop. I’ve always said he’s not slow - I think he could drop back to two miles one day… The Champion Hurdle is a potential [target] - I suppose this race puts horses on that path, but that’s a long way away. We’ll enjoy today.”

The New Lion is now priced between 5/1 and 8/1 for the 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of The Yellow Clay

(second)

“He ran a brilliant race and Jack [Kennedy] has given him a peach of a ride. I couldn’t be happier with him. I thought we got a beautiful run throughout and I don’t think there were any excuses. They went a good gallop and I’d say that will end up being a proper race. He could easily go to Aintree or Punchestown. I don’t know whether we will stay over hurdles next season or go chasing.”

Willie Mullins, trainer of Final Demand (third)

“He ran a really good race, but just wasn’t good enough on the day. The New Lion was a very good winner, but we look forward to going chasing with our lad next season. I just felt I didn’t want to go the trip in the Albert Bartlett at this stage of his career. He will probably end up going three miles next season. I’m happy that we ran him in a race that will be better for his future. I imagine we will go to Punchestown.”

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Forty Coats (fourth)

“He got a little tapped for toe at the top of the hill, but stayed on really well. He is a chasing type.”