Betting
2021 REVIEWS: Champion Hurdle | Honeysuckle storms to second Festival glory
Honeysuckle’s first tilt at the Champion Hurdle was a successful one as she lifted the opening day feature under Rachael Blackmore
Honeysuckle glided to her 11th career success with a bloodless win in the 2021 Unibet Champion Hurdle to secure her second Cheltenham Festival success under would-be Rachael Blackmore.
Henry de Bromhead’s mare arrived at Prestbury Park’s behind-closed-doors showpiece with her unbeaten record intact, but perhaps facing her toughest test to date on paper in the Tuesday Grade 1.
Defending champion Epatante was in contention to retain her crown, with that season’s Matheson Hurdle victor Sharjah also entering the frame.
Britain’s charge was led by Goshen, who was unfortunate not to win the Triumph the season before, clattering the final flight but getting back to his best form in the Kingwell for his preparation run.
But in reality, it was as convincing a success as the daughter of Sulamani has produced, putting a distance of six-and-a-half lengths between herself and second place, in a performance that would kickstart a remarkable week for the yard.
She would go onto record a further top-level honour at Punchestown a month later and is a short-priced favourite to win this race once again next month after Fairyhouse and Leopardstown glory in November and February, respectively.
Standing in her way this time around, though, could be last year’s Supreme hero Appreciate It, who looks set to dethrone the 8-year-old without having a warm-up outing.
Willie Mullins told Racing TV: “It’s not something I’m worried about [preparation run]. I made the decision ages ago and the closer we’ve got, the happier I am that we didn’t have a run.”
“It’s a big challenge for any horse to take on Honeysuckle.
“She races anywhere Rachael puts her and there doesn’t look to be much in the British Isles that can beat her, anyhow.”
