Honeysuckle will be aimed at the Close Brothers Mares Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, connections have confirmed.
The defending champion hurdler finished second to State Man in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday under Rachael Blackmore for trainer Henry de Bromhead, four-and-three-quarter lengths behind the 6/5 favourite.
Afterwards, owner Kenny Alexander stated that the nine-year-old super mare would either be retired or run one last time in the Mares Hurdle at Prestbury Park, a race she won in 2020 prior to her two Champion Hurdle successes.
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Peter Molony, who acts as racing manager for Alexander, announced early on Tuesday morning that Honeysuckle will run in the Mares "barring accidents, injury, illness or extremes of ground".
He tweeted: "One last hurrah for Honeysuckle! Barring accidents, injury, illness or extremes of ground she will be prepared for another tilt at The Close Brothers Mares Hurdle Gd1 @CheltenhamRaces on Tuesday 14th of March."
Honeysuckle looks set to face Epatante once again in the Grade 1 contest, with Nicky Henderson confirming on Monday that the 2m4f contest is the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old's preferred target over the shorter Champion Hurdle trip.
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