Cheltenham Festival 2022: Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore win second Champion Hurdle

Rachael Blackmore rode unbeaten mare Honeysuckle to a thrilling second consecutive Champion Hurdle win on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Irish rider steered the 8-11 favourite to a 15th successive career victory for trainer Henry de Bromhead.

Honeysuckle and Blackmore were given a rousing reception after finishing ahead of 2020 champion Epatante and Zanahiyr.

Blackmore made history as the first female rider to win Tuesday's big race last year.

She went on to be the first woman to be the meeting's top jockey and then won the Grand National on Minella Times.

Honeysuckle is the first mare to win the Champion Hurdle twice.

Last year's meeting was held behind closed doors because of Covid-19 and this time a crowd of nearly 70,000 roared home the runners.

«Walking out in front of the stands with all the people, it's such a special place,» said Blackmore, 26.

«I'm so lucky to ride winners here and this mare — she's just incredible.»

More to follow.