Blackmore full of anticipation for Irish Champion Hurdle Two-time champion hurdler Honeysuckle, who lost her unbeaten record at Fairyhouse in the Hattons Grace Hurdle, will be back in action at the Dublin Racing Festival when she lines up in the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday week at Leopardstown. Willie Mullins' pair State Man and Vauban will likely be the main rivals for the nine-year-old but jockey Rachael Blackmore is really looking forward to reuniting with the mare on whom she has enjoyed so much success and they have won this particular race for the past three seasons. "She's just been incredible and has put up some extremely good performances at Leopardstown," said Blackmore. "The first time we went there (in 2020) we were unsure over two miles but what she's done since over that trip has been incredible. "She seems to really enjoy going around Leopardstown and it's a fantastic festival. There was some atmosphere there last year and she got an unbelievable reception so I'm really looking forward to getting back on her again and hopefully we can have some success."
