Waterford trainer, Henry de Bromhead's Honeysuckle has made history by winning this afternoon's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
With last year's champion, Rachael Blackmore aboard, Honeysuckle has become the first mare to retain the title.
SUPERSTARS! ⭐️
RACHAEL BLACKMORE and HONEYSUCKLE retain their @UnibetRacing Champion Hurdle crown 👑 pic.twitter.com/U8qdsli2j4
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 15, 2022
Speaking to Racing TV, de Bromhead said he was taken aback by the victory:
"Just blown away. Blown away. The pair of them, they're just awesome!
"I thought Epetante was going to come and do us... but she's just awesome. I dreamt of her getting a Cheltenham welcome, you know, and she's going to get it.
"So, yes it's just unbelievable."
Rachael Blackmore also told the station, "It was incredible, to be honest. Walking back down that shoot, I've never felt anything like that.
"There wasn't a moment's silence. It was incredible. It's just an amazing crowd and amazing atmosphere. I know it's easy to say that when you're winning, but it's just a very special place and walking back in here to those cheers is just so special."
