Honeysuckle's bid for Cheltenham history

This year’s renewal of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle, despite not being the feature race of Cheltenham’s Tuesday action, is certainly one of the most competitive.

This is because the race includes last year’s winner Marie’s Rock, Champion Hurdle winning Epatante, Grade 1 winner Brandy Love and Cheltenham Mares Novice Hurdle Winner Love Envoi just to name a few, and that is without the inclusion of the Queen of racing Honeysuckle.

Without doubt, one of the most loved horses in training is the wonder mare that is Honeysuckle. The now 9-year-old created history during her mighty 16-run-long unbeaten streak, consisting of 12 Grade 1’s and 3 Cheltenham Festival wins.

She returns to Cheltenham this year having been beaten on both starts this season, with owner Kenny Alexander deciding to aim his super-mare at the Mares contest at this year’s festival, as oppose to the Champion Hurdle she has famously won the past two renewals of.

Her racing career is nothing short of one of the very best, consisting of two Champion Hurdles, three Irish Champion Hurdles, three Hatton’s Grace Hurdles, two Punchestown Champion Hurdles as well as one of the very best renewals of the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle we’ve seen, defeating Bennie Des Dieux in a thrilling finish.

This season, her record shows both a second and a third, with her season beginning in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle last December, where she finished behind Stayers Hurdle contender Teahupoo and 6-time Grade 1 winner Klassical Dream.

Honeysuckle was then targeted at the Irish Champion Hurdle where she met Irelands up and coming star State Man. She was far from disgraced in this contest, finishing 4 ¾ a drift of the winner in second, half a length in front of Champion Hurdle third favourite Vauban.

Despite Honeysuckle’s form this year however, she still remains one of the best hurdlers around, and even if the decision to sidestep the Champion Hurdle isn't well received by all, it’s hard to disagree it would be incredible to see her power clear up the hill at Prestbury Park one last time.