By Mark Phillips
The Henry De Bromhead trained Honeysuckle confirmed her status as the Queen of Cheltenham when she recorded back to back victories in the Champion Hurdle in front of a packed attendance this afternoon.
Sent off the 8/11 favourite Honeysuckle was in the perfect position throughout under Rachael Blackmore and sprinted up the hill eventually crossing the winning line three and a half lengths clear of previous winner Epatante.
Constitution Hill the 9/4 market leader ran out an impressive and wide margin winner of the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle while the Arkle Chase went the way of the 5/2 favourite Edwardstone.
Corach Rambler 10/1 weaved his way through the field to win the Ultima Chase.
Trainer Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville enjoyed their second winner of the afternoon when 18/1 shot Maries Rock captured the Grade 1 Mares Hurdle where Tellmesomethinggirl was brought down when travelling well behind the leaders.
Curragh trainer Padraig Roche won the penultimate contest with 10/1 shot Brazil edging out the hot favourite Gaelic Warrior while the lucky last went to 2/1 chance Stattler for Patrick and Willie Mullins.
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