Robbie Power has urged punters to keep the faith with top Irish mare Honeysuckle as she bids to end her illustrious career with another victory at the Cheltenham Festival.
Owned by Kenny Alexander and trained by Henry De Bromhead, the two-time Champion Hurdle winner will be retired after next week’s Festival.
She is currently set to take her chance in Tuesday’s Mares’ Hurdle, although she is also still entered in the preceding Champions Hurdle.
Read more: Robbie Power on the "forgotten horse" in this year's Gold Cup
The presence of odds-on favourite Constitution Hill means she is almost certain to run in the Mares’ Hurdle.
Honeysuckle lost her unbeaten record in December’s Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse before finishing second to State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle in last month’s Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.
Speaking to Belfast Live ahead of the BoyleSports Cheltenham Preview night in aid of SVP at the Bardic Theatre in Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, Robbie Power believes Honeysuckle retains enough ability to win the Mares’ Hurdle.
“Things haven’t gone smoothly for some of the big guns,” said Power.
“Look, the whole year has been geared around Cheltenham and they’ll be there fit and well.
“Please God, they’ll run their best race. Her preparation has gone very smoothly and she seems in good form. Everyone is happy with her.
“Maybe she isn’t as quick as she was, I don’t know. The Mares’ Hurdle suits her well and it gives her a great chance to go out on a winning note.
“I think it would take the roof off Cheltenham if she wins.”
The former Gold Cup and Grand National winning jockey retired from the saddle last year and is now working for De Bromhead as his race planning.
Power is adamant he is happy with his decision to retire, but admits he is still envious of his former colleagues in the build up to the Cheltenham Festival.
“I’m really enjoying it this year and things have been going well. It is different for me - I retired because I had it, I hadn’t lost my competitive edge,” added Power.
“This gives me a competitiveness within the racing industry. I get a great kick out of watching horses running and, especially, watching them winning.
“Of course you miss it. I was in Cheltenham in December. I was watching Paul Townend go down the shoot on Energumene and I was thinking I wouldn’t mind having a go on him.
“When it comes to Cheltenham and I’m not riding, I am going to miss it, but I’m happy I’ve made the right decision as my body wasn’t able for any more.”
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