De Bromhead may drop Honeysuckle back to Mares' Hurdle

Henry de Bromhead has raised the possibility of switching back to the Mares' Hurdle with Honeysuckle following her first career defeat at Fairyhouse last weekend.

The eight-year-old defeated Benie Des Dieux in the Mares' Hurdle in 2020 and has since returned to Cheltenham to beat the boys in successive renewals of the Champion Hurdle.

But after losing her unbeaten record when bidding for a record fourth Hatton's Grace on her reappearance, finishing third behind Teahupoo and Klassical Dream, De Bromhead is considering taking the easier option at the Festival in March.

However, plans are likely to become clearer after she bids for a fourth Irish Champion Hurdle success at Leopardstown in February.

De Bromhead said: "She's great, not a bother on her. She seems really well and ran really well we felt.

What a finish!