Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore retain Champion Hurdle crown

Honeysuckle brought the house down at Cheltenham as she took her unbeaten tally to 15 with another imperious performance in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Successful behind closed doors 12 months ago, the Henry de Bromhead-trained mare gave the huge crowd plenty to cheer about as she powered up the hill to join the elite hand of dual winners in the hands of Rachael Blackmore.

Appreciate It, having his first race since winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on this day last year, made the running with Not So Sleepy for company until Honeysuckle made her move and jumped to the front at the second-last flight.

The 8-11 favourite set sail for home and though challenged by Nicky Henderson’s 2020 winner Epatante (16-1), she was too good and went on to score by three and a half lengths. Zanahiyr (28-1) was a length away in third place.

Blackmore returned last year to empty grandstands due to the coronavirus pandemic - but it was a very different scene this year.

“It’s just incredible. Walking out there in front of the stand with all the people, it’s just such a special place,” she told ITV Racing. “I’m so lucky to be riding winners here and on this mare. It’s class to have Kenny [Alexander, owner] here as well, he missed it last year.

“She’s just incredible. She kind of decides in a race when she’s happy to go on, I haven’t stopped her from doing that yet. She’s just an incredible mare. The work that goes into her at home is unbelievable as well, Henry’s got a great team of staff and they deserve all the credit for this as well.”

De Bromhead was equally happy. He said: “I’m blown away – the pair of them are just awesome. I dreamt of her getting a proper Cheltenham welcome and now she’s going to get it. I can’t believe