It was chilly, and the first day was going up against a full house at the Aviva Stadium for Ireland against Wales but the Dublin Racing Festival more than held its own with 24,929 fans making their way to Leopardstown on Saturday and Sunday.
The star appeal of Minella Indo, Galopin Des Champs and especially Honeysuckle meant that the weather and a jam-packed weekend of the sport would come second to seeing them in the flesh for racing fans who missed out on seeing the first and last-named of those three winning for Ireland at Cheltenham last March.
Sunday, in particular, was very special with the crowd thronging any viewing area they could get to before, during and after Honeysuckle’s six-length victory in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.
That’s 14 wins from 14 visits to the racetrack for Henry De Bromhead’s eight-year-old mare, ridden superbly once again by Rachael Blackmore.
Jump racing has the ability to create memorable partnerships, and we live in times that have rarely been better for Ireland at the very top level.
Though he does not train Honeysuckle Willie Mullins can be well pleased with his own weekend’s work having won seven of the 14 races that were held over the two days.
There was little to cause concern for what will be another mighty team heading to Cheltenham in front of packed grandstands again next month.
“Ah man, it’s just unbelievable,” said a clearly moved Blackmore after the big race yesterday. “We’re so lucky to be involved in her. Me to be riding her, Henry (de Bromhead) training her, Kenny (Alexander) owning her. It’s unbelievable.”
“I’ve never got a reception like that going to the start. It’s incredible. I had chills through my veins cantering down listening to everyone. It’s fantastic to be involved in it all. She’s an unbelievable mare.”
“Kenny Alexander texted me last night and said, ‘She owes us nothing, just go out and enjoy it,’ and it’s lovely to be riding for those kinds of people as well.”
“The crowds are what make it. As I said, that cheer going down to the start. Where would you get it?”
“She was really good,” added De Bromhead. “She jumped great, travelled well and they just did their usual thing. It’s incredible, the stuff you dream of.”
“Rachael kept it simple. (Honeysuckle) got in under one I think, she went a bit left at the third last but other than that she was brilliant.”
“It’s just great having everyone back, such an atmosphere. Isn’t it great that she was able to do it on the day?”
