Honeysuckle thrills Cheltenham with Champion Hurdle repeat

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.

Honeysuckle received a rapturous reception following her victory, with De Bromhead delighted to see the public pay the mare her due respect.

He said: "It's better than last year, obviously, with the crowd here, with Kenny (Alexander, owner) and (his wife) Caroline, with everybody. It's amazing. It's like a never-ending fairytale - just incredible.

"I just really hoped she could get that Cheltenham roar and it's fantastic that she's got it.

"She got it in the Mares' (Hurdle in 2020), but for this as she missed out last year. It's brilliant for everybody, our team, just everybody.

"Rachael was obviously sublime and I can't believe it - as usual!

"She's amazing and we're so lucky to have her."

De Bromhead admitted he had felt more pressure this year ahead of Honeysuckle's title defence.

He added: "I did (feel the pressure a bit more), with the crowds and the build up, so it's just amazing. The dream result was for her to win with the crowd here to cheer her and Rachael - it's amazing and no more than they deserve."

Blackmore - who made history last year when becoming the first woman ride the winner of the Champion Hurdle - said: "It's just incredible. Walking out there in front of the stand with all the people, it's just such a special place.

"I'm so lucky to be riding winners here and on this mare. It's class to have Kenny 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."

Henderson was delighted with the performance of Epatante, who improved on last year's third.

He said: "I thought Epatante ran a fantastic race. I thought we had her back after she went on a bit of a walkabout last season.

"She was quick and sharp and made a race of it. She's a very good mare, they are the two best and it must have been a while since mares filled the first two in the Champion Hurdle.

"It's special when these mares are this good, it feels like a real moment and we couldn't be prouder of Epatante.

"If she hadn't stumbled after the last we'd clearly have won! No, listen, she might have been a length closer but she's now been first, second and third in a Champion Hurdle which is some record.

"Now what do we do? I entered her in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, but after that her mark will go up again."

Aidan Coleman, the rider of second-paced Epatante, said: “She just lost her footing at the last and if we’d winged it, it might have been a different story, but we didn’t. I had the perfect run round the whole way. She jumped, travelled and felt great. She’s a dual Grade One winner this season and now second in the Champion Hurdle. She’s probably slightly a forgotten horse coming into it but she’s run super.”

Gordon Elliott, trainer of the third Zanahiyr, said: “I thought Zanahiyr ran a very good race. He galloped well and we’re very happy with him. Teahupoo was just flat out on the ground the whole way.”

Jack Kennedy, rider of the third Zanahiyr, said: “I’m delighted with him and it was a great run. The cheekpieces helped sharpen him up and we’re thrilled with that.”

Mark Walsh the jockey aboard fourth-placed Saint Roi, said:

“He's run a super race. It was his best this year, so I'm delighted. Hopefully he'll build on that now.”

JP McManus, owner of both runner-up Epatante and fourth Saint Roi said: “Both of mine ran great. If you are going to get beat it’s nice to be beaten by a champion.”

Among those looking on among the commotion was a certain Frankie Dettori.

The ever-popular Italian, sporting a hat given to him by his late friend Barney Curley, knows a thing or two about brilliant racemares, of course, due to his association with the great dual Arc winner Enable.

He said: “She’s the Enable of jump racing. She’s unbeaten, has won two Champion Hurdles – amazing.

“Rachael is doing a great job and that is what racing needs – a star. And she is a star.

“It’s great to be here to witness it.”