Honeysuckle lands Irish Champion Hurdle despite sketchy jumping

• Honeysuckle cut to 9-2 for Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham • Rachael Blackmore rides Grade One double Honeysuckle was cut from 6-1 to 9-2 by Paddy Power to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month after taking the Irish equivalent here on Saturday under a strong ride by Rachael Blackmore, who was completing a Grade One double on the day. It was a performance that left some questions unanswered, however, as Henry de Bromhead’s mare jumped slowly at several obstacles and was under strong pressure to hold off the persistent Petit Mouchoir in the closing stages. As a result, Epatante, another mare, remains favourite for the Champion Hurdle at 4-1. Continue reading...