Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
A sprinkling of Cheltenham stardust helped Honeysuckle to make the final appearance of her career her most memorable, with the legendary mare bowing out with a Mares’ Hurdle triumph that embodied her extraordinary will to win.
It was a massive ‘I was there’ moment for the more than 60,000 in attendance at the Cotswolds venue as racing wrapped its arms around Henry de Bromhead, wife Heather and children Georgia and Mia in the aftermath of an unimaginably tough season following the tragic death of Jack de Bromhead at the age of 13 in September.
The outpouring of goodwill and joy around the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure made it one of the most powerful receptions ever likely to be seen at the great racecourse.
She may not be as naturally quick as she once was - and she would have surely been unable to live with the class of Constitution Hill if tackling another Champion Hurdle crown - but this was a performance that exemplified her toughness and reliability.
Across her 19 starts under rules, she has emerged with victories from 17, never running a poor race in her life.
Rachael Blackmore delivered a well-judged ride on the Kenny Alexander-owned nine-year-old in tracking the front-running Love Envoi without any real pace pressure from behind. Despite that rival getting away quicker from the last hurdle, the famous team of Blackmore and Honeysuckle mustered up one last burst up the hill to score by a length and a half.
“We all wish a very special kid could be here today, but he’s watching down on us,” said Blackmore. “This mare is unbelievable. The way Henry has produced her every day is phenomenal. As a jockey I’m so grateful.
“I knew we’d pick up again after the last but she is just a phenomenal mare. It is incredible what she has done for me, but it is incredible what she has done for all of us. She has given us so much and I’m so grateful to her. It will be different without her here next year.”
Fairytale finish
De Bromhead was left to pinch himself after Honeysuckle’s second win in the Mares’ Hurdle, meaning she departs Cheltenham unbeaten from her four visits to Prestbury Park.
“It just meant so much,” said the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer. “You dream of a fairytale ending and it doesn’t normally happen, but it has here and she’s read the script.
“We know Jack is always with us and I’m sure he was here on Rachael’s shoulder. Honeysuckle has been a huge part of our life and Jack just adored her. She did it as much for him as she did for all of us. Rachael is class and she gave her a super ride. She’s an amazing lady and I’m very lucky to have her.
“This reception is what Honey deserves. She is just an unbelievable mare. We’ve obviously had a terrible year with Jack and everything, and just the support people have given us is incredible. We’re really grateful for that.”