Honeysuckle gave Rachael Blackmore the perfect spin on her last dance, waltzing to a farewell victory that will live long in the memory, writes James Toney.
After 16 straight wins, Henry de Bromhead's stable star had suffered defeat for the first time in her two starts before this last hurrah at Prestbury Park.
All but the truest of believers started to question all we had previously taken for granted, oh ye of little faith.
Pundits debated why Honeysuckle was being aimed at the Mares' Hurdle here, a race she won in 2020, rather than bid for a hat-trick of Champion Hurdle titles.
However, de Bromhead knows his horse – he knew that Constitution Hill, the winner of the day's championship showpiece would prove too strong, and wanted to end on a high.
And what a high this was, the sort of giddying, intoxicating, chuck your paper, throw your hat and hug your neighbor sort of buzz that Cheltenham does better than anywhere else.
Those that were here to witness this won't forget it in a hurry but thoughts were always with one special fan who wasn't – de Bromhead's 13-year-old son Jack, who tragically died in a pony racing accident last year.
“We all wish a very special kid could be here today but he's watching down on us,” said Blackmore.
“She was unbelievable. The way Henry has produced her every day is phenomenal. As a jockey, I'm so grateful he doesn't listen to pundits or I wouldn't get the pleasure of walking back into the winner's enclosure again.
“She's an incredible mare and she's been incredible for my career. This is for everyone down in Knockeen who has looked after her over the years, Henry's head lad does an unbelievable lad with all the horses and she [Honeysuckle] is just a credit to everyone.
“Kenny (Alexander) is one of the coolest owners you'll ever ride for. It's just a brilliant day.”
Blackmore and Honeysuckle are the Queens of this sport of Kings but de Bromhead is the quiet power behind their throne.
The celebrations in the parade ring that followed this win were a joy to watch, likely matched with a party to end all parties at Downes Bar, the family-owned Knockeen landmark that would have been jumping after this.
“It's incredible and I'm just so happy for all of us, you dream of the fairytale ending but so often it doesn't happen, it's amazing,” said de Bromhead.
“She's such an unbelievable horse, we've had a terrible year and the support everyone has given us has been amazing.
“I know people love this horse and we're really grateful for it, it's been an incredibly tough time for us all.
“It's a mental sport this. This is the result that everyone wanted, the mare and Rachael Blackmore are just incredible together.
“We picked the right race, especially when you see the other lad in the Champion Hurdle. But this is also for the big team we've got back at home that is behind her.
“She rarely knows when's she is beaten and she read the script. It's an incredible day that she's going out like she is.”
Leave the stage will the applause is loudest is what theatre folk say.
And this rousing reception will be ringing in ears all week.
We heard that roar from Co. Waterford.#TeamGreen
#CheltenhamFestival #Honeysucklepic.twitter.com/NITSmBIBMi
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) March 14, 2023
The post ‘Fairytale’ Festival Farewell: Superstar Mare Honeysuckle, Jockey Rachel Blackmore Score In Mares’ Hurdle appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
