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I can’t believe we’ve won a Champion Hurdle. Kenny Alexander (owner) and Peter Molony (racing manager) are both at home with their families. It’s a pity they can’t be here today. When Goshen headed off and then came back in I was just slightly worried, but she did everything I wanted her to do throughout the race and it’s just unbelievable. Henry produces her every day in that kind of form for me to just steer round. I’m so thankful to be a part of her (Honeysuckle) — it’s all about her. She’s getting better and improving. Her run the last day was a career-best and again today. It’s phenomenal. It was unbelievable. She’s a very laid-back, chilled out mare — she’s amazing. I’m so used to mine being ridden handy away and after two or three hurdle Rachael looked really happy. After jumping the second-last she had to get after her and Goshen going to the right for a while was a bit worrying as well, but all in all it was probably one of the more relaxed races I’ve watched here. Coming down to the last you just wanted her to get over it, obviously. Rachael is a brilliant rider on any horse and Honeysuckle is just a brilliant horse. The combination is deadly — it’s the perfect storm. I’ll discuss it with Kenny and see what everyone would like to do, but I’d say there’s every chance she’ll head to Punchestown. Henry De Bromhead, trainer

Epatante (FR) wore ear plugs which were removed at the start.

The Stewards noted that Saldier (FR), placed seventh, veered sharply right shortly after jumping the third hurdle in order to avoid Abacadabras (FR), which had fallen.

Following the race, Jamie Moore reported that Goshen (FR), placed eighth, hung badly right-handed and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.