Honeysuckle lands Irish Champion Hurdle hat-trick with ease

Honeysuckle took her unbeaten record to 14 when winning the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle for a third time at Leopardstown.

Henry de Bromhead's brilliant mare powered away from her four rivals under Rachael Blackmore after jumping the second-last flight to secure her 10th Grade One success.

It was a straightforward triumph for the eight-year-old, who will defend her Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham next month.

Another masterclass from Honeysuckle in the Irish Champion Hurdle to thrill the #DublinRacingFestival crowd at Leopardstown #rteracing pic.twitter.com/ZdgwW53Qjl

The early pace was set by Heaven Help Us with Zanahiyr, who made a bad mistake at the first hurdle, close up in second place.

There was little change in the order until Blackmore made her move on Honeysuckle after jumping the third-last.

The 1-5 shot moved supremely into the lead and put several lengths between herself and the opposition to quickly put the race to bed.

Rachael Blackmore soaks up another victory for Honeysuckle. "We are all just so lucky. I've never had a reception like that cantering to the start of the race. I had chills."#rteracing pic.twitter.com/TW1VCVOlV3

Honeysuckle went on to score by six and a half lengths from Zanahiyr, with Echoes In Rain staying on for third place.