Honeysuckle: The Unstoppable Force in National Hunt Racing

When discussing the finest mares in National Hunt racing, Honeysuckle is a name that immediately comes to mind. Unbeaten in her career and with a string of impressive victories, Honeysuckle has captured the hearts of racing fans across the world. Trained by Henry de Bromhead and owned by Kenny Alexander, Honeysuckle’s story is one of pure excellence, consistency, and dominance at the highest level. Let’s take a closer look at the career of this incredible mare, her key achievements, and what makes her one of the best to ever grace the sport.

Early Career and Rising Promise

Honeysuckle’s journey began in 2018 when she made her racing debut as a novice hurdler. Although her first race was relatively modest, it was clear from the beginning that Honeysuckle possessed a special set of qualities. Under the guidance of trainer Henry de Bromhead, Honeysuckle quickly showed a high level of ability, winning her first hurdle race by a comfortable margin.

It was during her first season over hurdles in 2018-19 that she began to truly turn heads. She won all her races, including a notable victory in the Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse, which set the stage for her rise to prominence. However, it wasn’t just her victories that caught the eye, but the way she did it. Honeysuckle displayed a keen ability to stay calm and composed, making her an extremely intelligent and versatile runner, able to adapt to various race conditions.

2020: The Breakout Year

2020 marked Honeysuckle’s breakout year as a superstar in National Hunt racing. She went into the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown as a highly regarded contender, but few could have predicted the sheer dominance she would display in this race. Honeysuckle defeated a top-class field, including the then defending champion Supasundae, with a powerful finish that left no doubts about her quality.

That victory secured Honeysuckle's first Grade 1 success and immediately put her on the map as one of the leading mares in the division. She then went on to make her mark on the Cheltenham Festival in March 2020, where she triumphed in the Champion Hurdle. The Champion Hurdle is the most prestigious hurdle race in the UK, and Honeysuckle’s performance in the race was a display of her incredible speed, stamina, and determination.

The 2020 Champion Hurdle victory marked her first major win at Cheltenham, and she didn’t just win—she won with authority. Ridden by Rachael Blackmore, Honeysuckle stayed calm throughout the race, and when the final hurdle came, she surged ahead, claiming a famous victory by 3 lengths over the well-regarded Benie Des Dieux. This was a victory that solidified Honeysuckle’s reputation as one of the sport’s premier talents.

2021: The Perfect Year

The 2021 season was a historic one for Honeysuckle. Not only did she go on to defend her Irish Champion Hurdle title at Leopardstown, but she also completed a perfect season, going undefeated in all her races. Her victory in the Champion Hurdle at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival was another remarkable achievement that further cemented her place as a racing legend.

With a flawless 11-race unbeaten streak heading into the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, Honeysuckle was one of the most talked-about horses of the year. Once again, Rachael Blackmore was in the saddle, and the pair were unstoppable. In the Champion Hurdle, Honeysuckle faced stiff competition, but she powered her way to victory in impressive style. The race was tightly contested, but Honeysuckle’s speed and tenacity proved to be too much for her rivals, including Sharjah and Epatante.

By the end of 2021, Honeysuckle had added multiple Grade 1 victories to her résumé, including a third consecutive win in the Irish Champion Hurdle and an unbeaten run that had grown to 12 races. Her consistency, ability to perform at the highest level, and refusal to be beaten were key components of her greatness.

2022: Maintaining Her Legacy

Heading into 2022, Honeysuckle’s unbeaten record was a significant talking point. The mare entered the Champion Hurdle for a third time at Cheltenham, aiming to make history by becoming the first horse to win the race three times in consecutive years. Her record was flawless, but her competition was stronger than ever, with talented horses like Appreciate It, Epatante, and others looking to take the crown.

Despite the challenges, Honeysuckle once again showed her class and determination. The race at Cheltenham was highly competitive, but Honeysuckle’s experience and willpower proved unbeatable. She won the Champion Hurdle for a third time, becoming only the second horse in history to achieve such a feat. This victory not only confirmed her status as one of the greatest mares of all time but also marked her as one of the most consistent and formidable competitors the sport has ever seen.

Style, Talent, and Rachael Blackmore

What makes Honeysuckle such a remarkable horse isn’t just her record, but her style of racing. Honeysuckle is known for her fluent jumping, her ability to settle into a race without rushing, and her tenacious finish. She has a wonderful way of cruising through the race, looking like she has plenty left in the tank as she enters the final stretch. Her agility, confidence, and ability to handle a variety of race conditions make her one of the most versatile horses in recent memory.

A key part of her success has also been her bond with jockey Rachael Blackmore. Blackmore, who is one of the most talented and respected jockeys in the sport, has ridden Honeysuckle to victory in nearly every one of her races. Their partnership is built on trust and understanding, and together, they’ve become one of the most successful and iconic pairs in racing history.

The Future of Honeysuckle

As Honeysuckle’s career continues to evolve, there’s no doubt she’ll remain a key figure in the sport. Her unbeaten record, her string of top-level victories, and her consistency in major races will ensure she remains a legend in the world of National Hunt racing. Whether she will continue to race or transition to a breeding career, Honeysuckle’s legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest horses of her generation.

Final Thoughts: A True Champion

Honeysuckle is the epitome of a champion. Her consistency, her flawless record, and her undeniable talent have earned her a place in the history books as one of the greatest mares in National Hunt racing. From her first race to her iconic wins in the Champion Hurdle and the Irish Champion Hurdle, Honeysuckle has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with.

As a fan of the sport, it’s been a privilege to watch Honeysuckle’s career unfold. Her performances have not only captivated racing fans but have also inspired a new generation of enthusiasts. Whether or not she continues racing, Honeysuckle’s place in the sport’s history is secure, and her legacy will endure for years to come.