CHELTENHAM NEWS

Blackmore eyes history

Rachael Blackmore is confident her and Honeysuckle can make history when the pair go in Tuesday‘s Champion Hurdle.

No female rider has ever won the Day One feature but Blackmore is fancied to break that record as her and the unbeaten seven-year-old return to Prestbury Park.

The pair combined to win the Mares’ Hurdle in 2020, edging out Benie Des Dieux by half a length in a thrilling renewal, and have been in stunning form again this season.

Honeysuckle reappeared with a victory in November’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and followed it up last month with a win in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Connections hope Blackmore and her ride can light up the opening day of the Festival and the 31-year-old says she has every faith Henry De Bromhead’s mare can deliver.

“Honeysuckle is incredible,” said Blackmore, according to Sky Sports. “She’s never let us down so far, and I’m just hoping we can continue in the Champion Hurdle.

“She digs deep when she has to, she gets me out of trouble when she has to – she’s just been phenomenal, and I can’t find any fault with her.

“It’s fantastic to be involved with a horse of her calibre. It’s what any jockey dreams about, getting teamed up with something like her. It’s just a privilege.”