THE second day of the Cheltenham Festival kicked off with another thrilling finish, as The New Lion (3/1) rallied to win the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle for Dan Skelton, on his first start in the silks of J.P. McManus.

Potters Charm led them until the second last, from which the race looked between the Challow Novices’ Hurdle winner, Gordon Elliott’s The Yellow Clay and Willie Mullins’ unbeaten Final Demand. Jack Kennedy led into the straight, as Paul Townend delivered a serious challenge aboard the favourite, while Harry Skelton gave chase.