Honeysuckle dominates in Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
Unbeaten Honeysuckle stamped her authority on the Grade One Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse with a scintillating display.
Henry de Bromhead's five-year-old swept past Caravation approaching the home turn but was soon challenged by Tintangle
The latter attempted to get on terms after the second last but was blown away, along with the others, as Honeysuckle opened up and drew clear coming to the last.
The daughter of Sulamani strode away to win by five and a half lengths and reward favourite backers at 6/4 from 15/8.
Elfie kept on for second at 20/1 but had no chance with the winner. She came in three lengths in front of Eglantine Du Seuil (4/1).
Henry de Bromhead said: “She's a super mare and obviously ridden by a brilliant rider and it is great that Rachael (Blackmore) got her first Grade One winner in Ireland on one of ours.
"It was very frustrating at the time when she missed Cheltenham but Kenny (Alexander, owner) and Peter (Molony, racing manager) said you have to do what’s right for the mare and thankfully their patience has been repaid.
“She just went a bit flat and we weren’t happy with her but she was back in good form about two weeks after Cheltenham.
“She’s some five-year-old and has achieved so much already. She’s won over two, two and a half and looks like she could go further again. She jumped really well today bar one, and is a really exciting mare.
“She’s in the two and a half mile novice on the Friday of Punchestown so we’ll see how she is.
“Rachael said she just wanted to keep it simple. She got a lovely position and had her jumping great. I said to her beforehand that you don’t need to drive on too early but then I saw her taking a pull after the second last and said you can drive on now alright!
“It’s been a phenomenal year for both of us and she’s a huge part of our operation and we are very lucky to have her.”
Rachael Blackmore added: "This is a special mare, I really do think she is very good.
"I can't believe I'm after having a Grade One winner in Ireland, it's unbelievable."
Blackmore has had Grade One victories at Cheltenham and Aintree.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
