SWEET SPOT UP RAIL SEES HONEY HOME
MARES’ HURDLE HONEYSUCKLE and Rachael Blackmore floored Benie Des Dieux to defend their unbeaten record in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.
The bookies favoured Benie Des Dieux for the horsey version of Joan of Arc versus Boadicea, sending Willie Mullins’ 2018 heroine — in control when falling at the final flight 12 months ago — off the 4-6 hotpot.
But Blackmore dashed Irish Champion winner Honeysuckle, sent off the 9-4 second choice, up a gap on the inside rounding the home turn — and Henry De Bromhead’s six-year-old held off the favourite’s challenge by half a length to stretch her perfect run to eight.
“This means so much,” smiled Blackmore, racking up her third Cheltenham Festival triumph after a double aboard A Plus Tard and Minella Indo last year.
“This mare is so special and Henry has produced her in tip-top shape every time she has run. I am the lucky one who gets to steer her round!
“It’s a big week, and I’m delighted,” added the 30-year-old. “Every jockey’s dream is to be in the position I’m in, and Cheltenham is what it’s all about.”
De Bromhead and Honeysuckle’s owner Kenny Alexander decided against a Champion Hurdle challenge, and the Co Waterford trainer said: “It was very close. Thankfully we came up with the right race between us.
“What a ride! The way she got up the inside coming round the last turn — it was two amazing ladies together.”
Mullins was less impressed by the manoeuvre that saw leader Stormy Ireland and Robbie Power force stable-companion Benie Des Dieux, partnered by the trainer’s son Patrick, wide on the bend.
“I’m a little dazed,” he lamented. “Maybe Robbie thought one of our horses was behind him rather than Honeysuckle. He gifted the winner a huge gap, while Paul had to come round the outside.”