Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore light up Leopardstown with third straight Irish Champion Hurdle win

Honeysuckle won the Grade One February feature for the third time. Henry De Bromhead's horse is the first to complete a hat-trick of wins since Hurricane Fly. Sky Bet make Honey's 1/2 favourite for Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Paddy Power remain unchanged at 4/7.  Honesuckle is a 10-length winner at Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival last year. She beat Gordon Elliott's Zanahiyr by six and a half lengths.

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore won the Irish Champion Hurdle. It was the third straight win for the mare. Black more than appreciates the atmosphere created by the crowd. She is grateful to be riding for her and to have been part of Team Honey. She got chills as she was greeted by a huge crowd at the start. The owner Kenny Alexander urged her to enjoy the occasion. He also texted her last night.

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore won the Irish Champion Hurdle. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s.