Honeysuckle proved far too good again as she won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham for a second year in a row.
Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the race last year, and she doubled up with a brilliant ride on the first day of the 2022 Festival.
Main rival Appreciate It made the early running and had the lead with two to jump, but Honeysuckle powered clear and took the last hurdle superbly to charge away from the field.
She was roared home this time, with a full crowd back in attendance, as the unbeaten mare made it 15 in a row.
Epatante, winner in 2020, came home in second with Zanahiyr in third. Appreciate It faded to finish seventh.
“It is just incredible - walking out in front of the stands with all the people, it’s such a special place,” Blackmore said.
“I’m so lucky to ride winners here and this mare. She’s just incredible.
“She kind of decides in a race when she’s happy to go and I haven’t stopped her yet. She’s an incredible mare.
“The work that goes into at home is just unbelievable and they deserve all the credit as well.”
Earlier in the day, Nicky Henderson got his Festival off to the perfect start as Constitution Hill cruised home to win by 22 lengths in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, ahead of stablemate Jonbon.
Edwardstone made it two out of two for the favourites, taking victory in the Arkle Challenge Trophy to give Alan King his 16th Cheltenham victory and his first in seven years.
The day of the Brits continued in the Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase as Corach Rambler powered up the hill in between Gericault Roque and Oscar Elite.
