What a day at Cheltenham today as Honeysuckle won her final race and came back to a heroine’s welcome that the home of the sport has rarely witnessed.
The memory of Jack De Bromhead was clear in the emotional responses of Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead and it really was a very special moment.
“So many emotions,” said the trainer after the race. “It was ridiculous. It’s brilliant and she’s just such an incredible mare, we feel so privileged and lucky to have had anything to do with her. It just meant so much, you dream of a fairy-tale ending and it doesn’t normally happen, but it has here and she’s read the script.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s her final race, it’s not my call but I’m 99% sure. I’d prefer Kenny Alexander to say for sure though as he’s the owner. I’m pretty sure that’s it though and to go out like that is incredible.
“It’s just a massive result. We know Jack is always with us and I’m sure he was here on Rachael’s shoulder. Honeysuckle has been a huge part of our life and Jack just adored her – so she as much did it for him as she did for all of us.”
It even overshadowed the arrival of a genuine superstar in Constitution Hill who won the Champion Hurdle with consummate ease and could go on to be one of the greats.
That was the only winner for England on their home patch with Scotland scoring one and Ireland leading the way with five winners, two for Willie Mullins and one each for Gordon Elliot, Barry Connell and Henry De Bromhead.
It was a handy day for the Sport for Business tipping as well with four winners and a placed horse among our selections. I guess we’ll have to give it another go tomorrow.
