THREE IN ROW FOR HONEYSUCKLE

THE classy Honeysuckle enhanced her Cheltenham claims with a third win in succession at Fairyhouse yesterday.

Henry de Bromhead’s talented mare faced her biggest test in the Grade 3 Betvictor Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle and came though it in flying colours.

Rachael Blackmore (inset) moved the five-year-old to the front turning for home and the 6/4 favourite registered a commanding six-length success. The winner could now bid to emulate Laurina who won this race en route to Cheltenham glory last year. “She keeps progressing and she’s a very exciting mare, I thought that she jumped well but Rachael felt she didn’t jump as well as her last two races,” commented de Bromhead. “I’d say she will go straight to Cheltenham and she will have an entry in the mares novice and could be entered in the Ballymore as well.” The remainder of the card belonged to Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy who reeled off a treble that included a couple of promising maiden hurdle winners.

The French import Authorizo earned himself a Triumph Hurdle entry after dominant display in the second divide of the two-mile maiden hurdle.

The first division of that went to another smart looking Elliott inmate in Chosen Mate who could now step up to Listed level at Punchestown next month.

The treble began with Kayf Thou who suprisingly overcame the 16-year-old See Double You in the handicap chase.