Tag Archive for: Honeysuckle

Mares’ Hurdle or retirement for Honeysuckle, but no Champion Hurdle

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Honeysuckle could have her Cheltenham Festival swansong in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – with owner Kenny Alexander steering away from the Unibet Champion Hurdle after the mare suffered a second career defeat at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The nine-year-old was eclipsed for the first time in 17 races when only third in the Hatton’s Grace in December and found herself having to be content with place honours again under Rachael Blackmore, as State Man galloped home a clear winner of the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.

While both trainer Henry de Bromhead and Alexander were satisfied with their superstar’s effort, they conceded the long-awaited clash with Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle now looks unlikely, with the Mares’ Hurdle prize Honeysuckle won in 2020 seemingly now the only option – although even that is not a given at this stage with retirement also in the mix.

Alexander said: “Age catches up with us all – one of the young pretenders has overtaken her and there’s one in England.

“Is she as good as she was? No, she’s not as good as she was. I wouldn’t overreact after her first run, she’s still very, very high class but she’s not quite as good as she was. She is nine now and she ran her heart out, she ran a blinder.

“We will definitely not be taking on Constitution Hill after that, because she is so brave and I would fear what would happen. We’re not running around for place money so it’s up to Henry, if he wants to chuck it now. I’ve always said ‘just get her out now, safe and sound’ and maybe the time has come.

“I know the horse is so brave and Rachael doesn’t muck about, we’d run to win and I’d dread anything happening to her now and I don’t think we can beat Constitution Hill – I’m not sure anything can.

“I thought she ran a blinder, but I’ll leave it to Henry and Rachael, whatever they say will go. I’d love to win another Mares’ and go out in a blaze of glory, but I don’t want anything to happen to her now.”

Honeysuckle, who had won the Irish Champion Hurdle three times previously, was applauded around the parade ring before the race and cheered all the way back to the unsaddling enclosure after the race.

Alexander admitted the reception meant a lot and was philosophical in defeat as the racing journey with his “horse of a lifetime” nears an end.

He said: “You do feel a bit of responsibility not to go to the well too many times, but I will leave it to Henry and Rachael. If they want to go for the Mares’ I’d love to win one more, but I’m not going to make any decision, I will leave it to them.

“We have won so many Grade Ones, she’s the horse of a lifetime – I’m not gutted, why would I be gutted? Gutted is when you get chinned in a bumper with something you spent a lot of money on, I feel gutted then, I don’t feel it today.

“She ran her heart out, got beat by a very good horse, a younger horse and I’m not gutted at all. It’s just a race, we go on.”

Honeysuckle is a dual Champion Hurdle winner
Honeysuckle is a dual Champion Hurdle winner (Nigel French/PA)

De Bromhead felt Honeysuckle had perhaps posted her best performance yet in the Leopardstown heat, even in defeat.

He told Racing TV: “I thought she ran really well, I’m delighted with the run and fair play to the winner. He won it well and that was it.

“I’d say she’s probably run to a higher standard (this year) possibly, I don’t know. The form people and all the gurus will work that out, but I thought she ran really well and we were happy with her.

“We know all about her, we don’t have to say anything about her courage and her attitude. She was brilliant all the way to the line.”

Honeysuckle got the better of Benie Des Dieux in an epic 2020 Mares' Hurdle (
Honeysuckle got the better of Benie Des Dieux in an epic 2020 Mares’ Hurdle (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

While initially unsure of future plans, De Bromhead later indicated the Mares’ Hurdle could be the best assignment, although he underlined plans were far from definite.

Speaking to ITV Racing, he said: “I don’t think now is the time to be making any decisions. It’s not up to me, but I wouldn’t be running her in the Champion Hurdle, if we were to run again I’d run in the Mares’ Hurdle. I wouldn’t like to force it.”

Coral pushed Honeysuckle out to 8-1 for the Champion Hurdle, but go 7-2 about her for the Mares’ Hurdle.

Leopardstown crowd likely to be willing Honeysuckle on this weekend

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There will surely be no popular winner at this year’s Dublin Racing Festival than Honeysuckle if she can raise the roof at Leopardstown for a fourth time in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.

Henry de Bromhead’s superstar mare might have claimed the Grade One contest in each of the past three years, as well as registering back-to-back wins in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but for only the second time in her career the market makes her a marginal underdog.

The reason the betting is headed by the Willie Mullins-trained State Man, winner of the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown and Leopardstown’s Matheson Hurdle this winter, is because for the first time in 17-race career to date Honeysuckle tasted defeat when chasing a fourth Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse last month.

While disappointed to see her unbeaten record come to an end, connections of the nine-year-old are from despondent ahead of her return to action, with owner Kenny Alexander’s racing manager Peter Molony of the view that she is still the one to beat.

He said: “We’re excited and always a bit nervous when she runs. It’s no different this time really.

“We’re telling ourselves that now she’s been beaten it takes a bit of pressure off, but I’m not sure it actually does. I think it’s only the second time in her life that she hasn’t been favourite, the other time being when she beat Benie Des Dieux in the Mares’ Hurdle in Cheltenham three years ago.

“I think she’s still the one to beat. Willie’s two (State Man and Vauban) look very talented, exciting young horses coming up to challenge, but Honeysuckle is the reigning champion.

“There seems to be magnificent support behind her, which is great. People love nothing more than a champion who has been defeated and comes back and wins again, so let’s hope she can do it.”

Honeysuckle was beaten just under three lengths at Fairyhouse in early December, form which has been well advertised by the winner Teahupoo’s subsequent success in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Molony feels there was an over-reaction to the defeat, adding: “Her last run in the Hatton’s Grace on ratings is right up there with any run she’s ever had in the race. As I’ve said before, if we hadn’t been defending an unbeaten record I think we would have left that day cock-a-hoop.

“On his preferred heavy ground I think Teahupoo is probably the best staying hurdler anywhere and by some distance – he’s a very good horse.

“Leopardstown probably suits us better. I know Henry has a suspicion she’s better left-handed than right-handed, so here we go – we’ll throw our hat into the ring again.”

Honeysuckle was all out when clinging on by half a length from Darver Star in the 2020 Irish Champion, but the last two years have been a cruise – winning by 10 and six and a half lengths respectively.

Henry de Bromhead hopes Honeysuckle can strike Leopardstown gold once more
Henry de Bromhead hopes Honeysuckle can strike Leopardstown gold once more (Brian Lawless/PA)

De Bromhead has clearly done a magnificent job keeping her at the top of her game for so long and insists he has seen no signs at home that she is on the decline.

“It’s incredible to think we’re trying to win it for the fourth time. She needed the line the first year, but she did it and that’s her – heart-on-the-sleeve stuff,” said the County Waterford handler.

“We never dreamt she could do what she did after that. She looked great, but you couldn’t think she’d go on to do what she has. You have to pinch yourself when you have a horse like her.

“Unfortunately she came unstuck in the Hatton’s Grace, but I felt she still ran really well. Obviously it was disappointing to get beaten, but she’s done incredibly well in what she’s done.

“She seems really well in herself and we’re really looking forward to it. We’ll take on these new young guns and and see how we get on.”

The Mullins-trained pair of State Man and Vauban cross swords for the second time this season after being separated by little over four lengths when first and second in last month’s Matheson Hurdle.

That was Triumph Hurdle hero Vauban’s first appearance since scoring at Punchestown in the spring and Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, feels he could make more a race of it on Sunday.

He said: “Honeysuckle looks vulnerable for this first time after she was beaten for the very first time, but she’s still the one to beat and it wasn’t a bad run by any stretch of the imagination.

“Younger legs are hard to keep at bay, though, as Sharjah found out at Christmas.

“It’s going to be a fascinating race and obviously Vauban will improve from Christmas, he didn’t get a clear run once or twice that day and it was first time out so he can get closer to State Man and then it depends on Honeysuckle.

“It will be fascinating to watch. There’s a lot of people at home who are big fans of Vauban, but it’s tough for the five-year-olds and State Man has won two Grade Ones this season. It wouldn’t surprise us if Vauban won, though.”

Gordon Elliott saddles Pied Piper and Zanahiyr, both of whom need to bounce back from disappointing runs, while Tom Mullins’ Takarengo has a mountain to climb on ratings and completes the field.

Blackmore retains faith as Honeysuckle seeks Irish Champion Hurdle four-timer

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Rachael Blackmore retains “full confidence” in Honeysuckle ahead of her bid for a fourth straight victory in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Despite landing the Dublin Racing Festival showpiece in each of the past three seasons, as well as back-to-back victories in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Henry de Bromhead’s superstar mare will return to Foxrock as something of an underdog after suffering the first defeat of her career last time out.

That eclipse came in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, a race she has also won on three occasions, where after travelling with her trademark zest into the straight, she was reeled in and passed by both Teahupoo and Klassical Dream, seeing her beaten for the first time in 17 starts.

Blackmore admits that reverse came as a blow, but insists she was not disappointed with her performance and is confident she will put up a staunch defence of her crown this weekend.

Speaking on a press call after being unveiled as a new ambassador for Betfair, she said: “It was obviously very disappointing that she got beaten, but she put up a very good performance in defeat and we move on to the Irish Champion Hurdle.

“I think it was a combination of very strong opposition on that (soft) ground over that trip (two and a half miles). That combination was ultimately what resulted in her getting beaten.

“Teahupoo is a very good horse, as is Klassical Dream, and I really do feel that she still ran an extremely good race.

“She couldn’t be any better at home and Henry is delighted with her. I obviously love riding her, I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully she puts up a good performance.”

As a result of her Fairyhouse eclipse Honeysuckle is only second in the betting for Sunday’s feature, with the Willie Mullins-trained State Man the clear favourite to add to his previous triumphs this season in the Morgiana at Punchestown and the Matheson at Leopardstown.

Blackmore, however, is paying no attention to the odds and believes anyone who writes off her long-time ally does so at their peril.

“She’s been incredible, she’s unbeaten in Leopardstown and I really wouldn’t be underestimating her in any shape or form – she’s the one they all have to come out and beat,” she added.

“There’s always pressure riding Honeysuckle and with regards to who is favourite and who is not favourite, that is never something I take much notice of, to be honest.

“I’m on her back and I have full confidence in her. If I had lost the faith in Honeysuckle, it would be a very poor reflection of what we’ve achieved.”

Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle after winning last year's Irish Champion Hurdle
Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle after winning last year’s Irish Champion Hurdle (Niall Carson/PA)

Whether Honeysuckle will bid for a third Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month appears dependent on how she performs on Sunday, with a switch to the Mares’ Hurdle at Prestbury and even retirement mentioned as a possibility by her connections.

Blackmore is fully aware the last day she will ride the nine-year-old is drawing closer and she is intent on enjoying every second of the journey while it continues.

She said: “She’s been incredible for my career. Every jockey has a dream of being able to ride something like Honeysuckle and I’m so lucky that I’ve had the association with her.

“We got a fantastic reception in Leopardstown last year – it was one of my favourite moments in racing coming back into the winner’s enclosure. There was an incredible atmosphere and there was such anticipation before the race as well, it was fantastic.

“It would be incredible for her to win a fourth Irish Champion Hurdle. As far when that association is going to end, we know it’s not going to go past this season, but I don’t look too far ahead.

“My main focus is on this Sunday and getting over that and we’ll look to the next thing then, but I don’t really worry myself with things that are too far down the line.”

Honeysuckle and State Man set for Leopardstown clash

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Honeysuckle, State Man and Vauban all feature among six confirmations for Sunday’s Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

After Honeysuckle met with the first defeat of her career last time out in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse, in all likelihood it will be the first time she has not been sent off favourite since the 2020 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, when she beat Benie Des Dieux.

Ahead of her in the ante-post betting is Willie Mullins’ State Man, who has progressed from victory in last term’s County Hurdle to win two Grade Ones already this season, landing the Morgiana and Matheson Hurdles.

State Man held off his Willie Mullins stablemate Vauban at Christmas and the champion trainer is happy for them both to meet again in an attempt to prevent a fourth successive victory for Henry de Bromhead’s mare.

Mullins said: “It’s going to be a hell of a race.

“Honeysuckle, I thought, ran very well (in the Hatton’s Grace). A lot of people castigated her for her run in Fairyhouse but I thought it was a great run against that class of horse. She’ll be hard to beat.

“We’ll be doing our best with State Man and Vauban, both ran crackers at Christmas.

“I keep saying he’s (Vauban) only five and he is, though it’s hard for those sort of horses to improve.

“Both of them have pleased me since and we’re looking forward to see if we can take on Kenny Alexander’s Honeysuckle. It’s going to be a very good race, anyhow.”

State Man has emerged as a top-class hurdler this season
State Man has emerged as a top-class hurdler this season (Niall Carson/PA)

The Gordon Elliott duo of Pied Piper and Zanahiyr and Tom Mullins’ outsider Takarengo complete the list.

Only five remain in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase over two miles, where Mullins’ Blue Lord will aim to follow up his win at Christmas and cement his Champion Chase claims.

Sceau Royal, a rare British raider, Dunvegan, Gentleman De Mee and Fastorslow are also engaged.

There are nine left in the Tattersalls Ireland Novices Hurdle over two miles, in which Mullins has another enviable hand.

Facile Vega, Dark Raven, Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps could all run for the champion trainer.

Elliott has American Mike and Irish Point to chose from while De Bromhead’s unbeaten Inthepocket, Joseph O’Brien’s one-time Derby favourite High Definition and Oliver McKiernan’s No Looking Back add further strength in depth.

The Ladbrokes Novice Chase over two miles and five furlongs has a competitive look to it with 13 left in.

Mullins holds another strong hand with El Fabiolo, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Glengouly, James Du Berlais and Kilcruit among his team, but Elliott should offer stern resistance with Gerri Colombe, Mighty Potter and Fil Dor still in.

Honeysuckle ready for Irish Champion Hurdle defence

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Henry de Bromhead does not expect Honeysuckle to give up her crown lightly when she bids for fourth successive victory in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The nine-year-old will return to Foxrock on something of a recovery mission on Sunday week, having suffered her first defeat in 17 career starts at Fairyhouse last month.

Honeysuckle looked likely to secure her fourth Hatton’s Grace Hurdle after travelling strongly into the home straight, but her effort petered out between the final two flights and she was eventually beaten just under three lengths into third place behind Teahupoo and Klassical Dream.

That eclipse immediately had those questioning whether the great mare was past her best, but De Bromhead insists there are no signs at home that her powers are on the wane.

Henry de Bromhead trains Honeysuckle
Henry de Bromhead trains Honeysuckle (Brian Lawless/PA)

“She seems great now, really good,” said the County Waterford handler.

“I thought she ran well at Fairyhouse, probably not up to her highest level, but I think for her first run back she ran really well.

“Two and a half (miles) on ground that got very soft in the end might have just been a stretch. She was beaten by a real soft ground specialist in Teahupoo and Klassical Dream is a high-class horse as well.

“She looked like she had it put to bed between the second-last and the last, and then they just came at her and that was it.

“We don’t see anything different here. Maybe that will arise on the track, I don’t know. Everyone is happy. She looks good.”

De Bromhead insists plans beyond the Dublin Racing Festival remain fluid, with a decision on whether Honeysuckle will take on the brilliant Constitution Hill and bid for a third victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham likely to be dependent on how she performs at Leopardstown.

The Mares’ Hurdle, which she won in 2020, has previously been raised by the trainer as a possible alternative, although Peter Molony – racing manager to owner Kenny Alexander – suggested in a recent interview it could be the Champion Hurdle or retirement.

De Bromhead added: “We’ll see how it goes but both options in Cheltenham are open. The Mares’ Hurdle is definitely an option and the Champion Hurdle is definitely an option.

“I think we see how the Irish Champion Hurdle goes and we’ll all sit down and going by Peter’s quotes, thrash it out together!

“I think the most important thing is we keep all our options open. I suppose my job is to find the race I’ve the best chance of winning.

“That may not be what we go with. At the moment, looking at Constitution Hill and he’s whatever price he is, 1-3. I’m not saying the Mares’ race would be an easy race, but you might have a better chance of winning that than you would a Champion, if all the players turn up.

“But we have to get through the Irish Champion Hurdle first and that’s a big test for us also. We’ve got plenty to do in between.”

Irish Champion Hurdle to determine Honeysuckle future

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Connections of Honeysuckle have effectively ruled out a tilt at the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, stating she will either bid for a third Champion Hurdle victory or be retired.

Henry de Bromhead’s superstar mare beat Benie Des Dieux in an epic Mares’ Hurdle in 2020 and has since returned to the Cotswolds to see off the boys in the Champion Hurdle in each of the past two seasons.

Having suffered her first defeat in 17 races when bidding for a record fourth Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse last month, there were suggestions Honeysuckle could go back against her own sex at Prestbury Park this term, instead of taking on red-hot Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill.

But owner Kenny Alexander’s racing manager Peter Molony revealed on Sunday that is not the case, with a decision on whether she will line up in the Champion Hurdle or be retired for broodmare duties hinging on how she performs in her bid for a fourth Irish Champion Hurdle success at Leopardstown next month.

“Henry seems happy with her so, touch wood, we’ll see in Leopardstown in four weeks’ time,” Molony told Racing TV.

“Of course I was watching him (Constitution Hill winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton). He’s a wonderful horse and it’s going to take a very good performance to beat him.

“Honeysuckle been a wonderful servant to us and owes us absolutely nothing. We all love her to bits and just want to get her home in one piece.

“Kenny said last year, before she was ever beaten, that if she wasn’t running to what we think is her optimum she’ll be retired and that’s the story.

“It’ll be Champion Hurdle or retire her – one or the other.”