Cheltenham Festival 3.30 Champion Hurdle 2022 outcome: Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore flood to triumph

 

Rachael Blackmore directed Honeysuckle home to win the Champion Hurdle for a second progressive year in front of Epatante and Zanahyir on Tuesday evening at Cheltenham.

The Cheltenham thunder truly drove her home as she seemed as though she was battling at she started to climb the slope, something she didn’t insight in 2021 with the race held away from plain view.

Honeysuckle was the mind-boggling number one and looked anxious prior to climbing the slope with Epatante and Zanahyir both in closeness however a fine last leap got a solid winning edge for Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead.

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Like It came out energetically having not dashed somewhat recently however blurred under the direction of Paul Townend, while 22/1 shot Zanahyir was ridden by Jack Kennedy to a dazzling third spot.

  • Winning rider Blackmore was the main rider with six successes in 2021 and gets a first success for Ireland here after the fourth race of the Festival
  • She said on ITV after the race: It is simply mind blowing. Leaving before the stands with every one individuals, it’s a particularly exceptional spot. I’m so fortunate to ride champs here and this horse. She’s simply unbelievable.
  • She sort of chooses in a race when she’s glad to go and I haven’t halted her yet. She’s an amazing horse. The work that goes into at home is simply amazing and they merit all the recognition too.