Challow Hurdle standout The New Lion has officially been sold, marking a significant transition in ownership as the previous owner prepares to exit the racing scene after this season.
The six-year-old racehorse has delivered exceptional performances under the training of Dan and Harry Skelton, clinching victory in each of his four starts — including a standout debut win in a Market Rasen bumper last spring and a remarkable trio of hurdles wins. His most notable achievement came during the festive period at Newbury, where he shone bright in his first Grade One race, delivering top-level success for his former owner.
Darren Yates has made substantial investments in racehorses over his career, famously investing £620,000 in Interconnected, who unfortunately did not secure a win thereafter. The decision to sell The New Lion, reportedly facilitated by a fellow owner, reflects Yates’s shift in focus as he aims to step away from the sport.
Speaking about his decision on a podcast, Yates explained that he and his wife had considered a complete exit from racing. He acknowledged the fluctuating dynamics in their lives, notably the influence of family. Yates also expressed that his trainer encouraged him to continue, emphasizing that letting go of a valuable horse at this moment may not yield its true worth.
Yates had hoped that The New Lion could secure a Grade One victory before being sold, and he caught the attention of prospective buyers keen on the talented horse. “It’s a big risk to wait, but it’s my risk,” he remarked, recognizing the rarity of acquiring a horse of such caliber.
Through discussions with close associates, it became clear that the sale would not only benefit McManus but also retain Yates’s interest in the horse’s future pursuits. Plans are already in place for The New Lion to focus on next month’s prestigious Cheltenham Festival.
While Yates will transition out of racing, he continues to hold ownership of several other horses, including the promising mare Cherie d’Am, indicating that her future may also come under consideration for sale. Yates’s reflections reveal a critical perspective on the treatment of owners within the sport, highlighting a desire for improvement before concluding his racing journey.
As Yates steps back from the sport, the impressive legacy of The New Lion will carry on under new ownership, with both parties looking ahead to promising opportunities.