'She's just incredible' - Blackmore hails Honeysuckle after Cheltenham heroics in Champion Hurdle

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.

Jockey Rachael Blackmore rides Honeysuckle (R) to victory ahead of Aidan Coleman on Epatante (L) in the Champion Hurdle 

Henry de Bromhead dreamt that Honeysuckle would be granted the Cheltenham reception she was deprived of by the empty stands here in 2021, and he was not disappointed as the near capacity crowd roared her home to a second Unibet Champion Hurdle success under the ice-cool Rachael Blackmore.

There were some doubts beforehand, most tied to the stable not having had a stellar season, but through it all this lady, unbeaten in her career, stood up to be counted. Winner of the Hatton’s Grace on seasonal debut and the Irish Champion on her second start, we looked at the deeper field for this renewal and wondered if she was up to the task. But we shouldn’t have doubted her.