{"id":2683,"date":"2022-03-15T16:08:08","date_gmt":"2022-03-15T16:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worabia.com\/news\/top-trends\/2683\/"},"modified":"2022-03-15T16:08:08","modified_gmt":"2022-03-15T16:08:08","slug":"blackmore-retains-champion-hurdle-on-honeysuckle-at-cheltenham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worabia.com\/news\/top-trends\/2683\/","title":{"rendered":"Blackmore retains Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle at Cheltenham"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cheltenham Festival 2022<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Dates:<\/strong> March 15-18 <\/span>Campus: <\/strong>Cheltenham Racecourse <\/span>Races:<\/strong> 13:30-17:30 GMT <\/span>Main race:<\/strong> 15:30<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coverage:<\/strong> Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, Radio 5 Live racing features. Racecards, live text, results and reports on the BBC Sport website and app.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Rachael Blackmore rode the undefeated mare Honeysuckle to a thrilling second consecutive victory in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Irish running back led the 8-11 favorite to a 15th consecutive career victory for trainer Henry of Bromhead.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Honeysuckle and Blackmore received a big reception after finishing ahead of 2020 champion Epatante and Zanahiyr.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blackmore made history as the first female rider to win the big Tuesday race last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

She went on to become the first woman to be the best jockey in the meeting and went on to win the Grand National in the Minella Times.<\/span><\/p>\n

Honeysuckle is the first mare to win the Champion Hurdle twice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last year’s meeting was held behind closed doors due to COVID-19, and this time a crowd of nearly 70,000 cheered on the runners.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Walking in front of the stands with all the people, it’s such a special place,” said Blackmore, 26.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m so lucky to ride winners here and this mare, she’s just amazing.”<\/span><\/p>\n

More to follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n