Banprionsa wins for Honeysuckle's connections

Honeysuckle's connections combined for a Tramore win today, as point-to-point winner Banprionsa (2/5f) built on previous promise to land the New Years Discount Tickets (Mares) Maiden Hurdle, for owner Kenny Alexander, jockey Rachael Blackmore and trainer Henry De Bromhead.

Just four of eight hurdles were jumped in the race due to the low sun and while Banprionsa — a points winner for Richard Black last March, laboured and hung slightly left in the closing stages, stayed well for a never-in-danger two lengths success.

De Bromhead reported "it was tough work and it looks horrible out there to be honest. The lack of hurdles was quite frustrating but that's the way it is. She probably wasn't in love with the ground or the track but won anyway.

“She is a real staying type of mare and jumps really well. I'd say everything was against here and it was nice to see her win. We like her, she is a nice mare and we will see how she progresses.

“You'd image she'd prefer nicer ground, she definitely didn't like that. There is a 2m7f black type race against the geldings at Limerick over Christmas and she could go for that."

Quotes from Donal Murphy