The star attraction at next week’s Punchestown Festival will be the two-time Champion Hurdler Honeysuckle who will defend her Grade 1 Paddy Power Champion Hurdle crown at Punchestown on Friday week.

Her trainer Henry de Bromhead says she is in good shape and he is delighted with the receptions that the unbeaten eight-year-old has received after her most recent victories.

The Knockeen handler told journalist Dave Keena: “She’s been great since (the Champion Hurdle), not a bother on her. She’s tough out, she’s so hardy and she seems in really good form. She looks great and we’re happy.

“The support we get with her, and the support she gets, is incredible and she has such a following now and it’s brilliant to see it. I was delighted to see the roar that she got at Cheltenham, and also the reception she got at the Hatton’s Grace. The reception in the Irish Champion Hurdle was incredible as well, but it was lovely to see her get the roar in Cheltenham also.”