Honeysuckle maintained her unbeaten record in fine style at Thurles this afternoon when running out a cosy winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Boreen Belle Mares Novice Hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore bounced out in front on the 8/11 shot in the two-miler and she had her rivals in trouble after the second last.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained filly was slightly untidy at the last but the result never looked in doubt as she went on to record a comfortably three-and-a-quarter length success over Sassy Diva

Honeysuckle cost €110,000 after winning a point-to-point last April and was an impressive winner on her first outing for connections in a two-and-a-half mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month.

“She did it the hard way and has done nothing wrong . She is unbeaten in three starts now and over every sort of a trip,” said de Bromhead.

"It wasn't ideal to make the running and you'd have preferred something else for company, she is a only baby and today was only her third run.

"There's a 2m2f race for her at the end of January at Fairyhouse but I'm not sure and will speak to the owner. She's a mare who doesn't need to be over-raced.

"I'd hope she'll run in the mares' novice at Cheltenham and I think she's entitled to go there but it's still a long way away. She's a lovely mare and we're lucky to have her."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)