There were emotional scenes at Cheltenham when queen of the jumps Honeysuckle ended her reign with victory in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle on the final start of her career.
Jockey Rachael Blackmore, trainer Henry de Bromhead and owner Kenny Alexander were in tears after the superstar mare delivered the most popular victory on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
Back in September De Bromhead and wife Heather were mourning the loss of their 13-year-old son Jack who died in a tragic pony riding accident.
And there was a huge outpouring of joy, relief and sadness as Honeysuckle returned to a packed parade ring after clinching her fourth victory at the Festival.
“We all wish a very special kid could be here today but he’s watching down on us,” a choked Blackmore told ITV Racing.
“She was unbelievable. The way Henry has produced her every day. As a jockey I am so grateful. She is a phenomenal mare. She has been incredible for my career. She is a credit to everyone and Kenny is one of the coolest owners you will ever ride for.”
De Bromhead said: “With Jack we have had a really tough year.
“We could not have asked for a better finale. It’s a fairytale ending, it’s what you dream of happening. More often that not it doesn’t but today it has, so it’s incredible. It means a lot to all of us.
“She’s just an incredible mare, she’s awesome. We are very lucky to have had her.”
Connections of Honeysuckle decided to go for the Mares’ race, the race in which her Cheltenham Festival story began in 2020, rather than defend her Champion Hurdle crown after a campaign in which her 16-race win streak ended.
She bows out with 17 wins from 19 races under rules and earnings of over £1.4 million.
