Blackmore savours every bit of applause from Cheltenham faithful

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore got the reception they so richly deserved following an imperious defence of the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

A year ago, the queens of the sport returned victorious to only a smattering of applause from the few lucky enough to be in attendance in the middle of a pandemic.

Wind the clock forward 12 months and the Cheltenham faithful were intent to play their part, with National Hunt racing’s two golden girls receiving an ovation that was a year in the making.

“It’s incredible. The reception we got the whole way down the straight. This is such a special place and we missed the crowds last year. To have them back this year is just unbelievable,” said Blackmore.

In truth, the bedlam began long before the dynamic duo crossed the line, with the packed enclosures struggling to contain their enthusiasm when Blackmore moved sweetly into position A before the home turn.

There was just a brief lowering of the volume as former champion Epatante threatened to make a race of it on the run to the final flight.

But 8-11 favourite Honeysuckle soon ensured the packed grandstands were rocking once more as she powered up the famous hill to claim her second Champion Hurdle, her third Festival win and take her career record to 15 from 15.

What followed were scenes of unabashed jubilation from the huge majority of those on track.

“I wish I had the vocabulary to explain how it felt coming back in. All the way down the chute, the reception we got – I was absolutely buzzing,” Blackmore added.

“Last year was fantastic and we were delighted to be here, but Cheltenham is about the people and they really didn’t let us down.

“Walking in here to the winner’s enclosure, any time you come in here and don’t have