Honeysuckle and Epatante to square up as 10 horses declared for Champion Hurdle

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle will put her unbeaten record on the line under Rachael Blackmore – who is bidding to become the first female rider to claim Champion Hurdle glory.

Honeysuckle, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, is the marginal favourite to follow up at Cheltenham, where she won the Mares’ Hurdle last season. Picture: Tim Goode/PA

Star mares Epatante and Honeysuckle are among a final field of 10 horses declared for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s Epatante is the defending champion, having provided her trainer with a record eighth victory 12 months ago.