Blackmore delivers on Honeysuckle as Mullins rues 'miscommunication'

“This means so much, this mare is so special.”

It was billed a match and it proved just that but, ultimately, it was the outsider of the pair who prevailed as Honeysuckle got the better of 4-6 favourite Benie Des Dieux by half a length in a thrilling Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

In victory, Honeysuckle maintained her unbeaten record, vindicated connections’ decision to stick to the mares’ route rather than head for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, and gave winning trainer Henry De Bromhead a day one double after Put The Kettle On’s earlier success in the Racing Post Arkle.