Superstar mare Honeysuckle is expecting her first foal - just two months after her retirement from racing.
The nine-year-old finished her brilliant career in amazing fashion in March when capturing a second Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, adding to her two Champion Hurdle victories in 2021 and 2022.
Her iconic partnership with jockey Rachael Blackmore yielded an incredible 17 wins from her 19 races and won €1.5m for her owner Kenny Alexander as she became one of the most popular horses in recent times.
READ NEXT: Paul Townend rides double at Killarney hours after winning huge prize in America
Now Alexander’s racing manager Peter Molony has revealed on Twitter that Honeysuckle is 16 days pregnant having visited Coolmore sire Walk In The Park.
He tweeted: Honeysuckle 16 day scan, good pregnancy by @grangestud @coolmorestud Walk In The Park!!!! @rachaelblackmor @HenrydeBromhead First step!! Good start to the week!!!! #rathmorestud
Molony also runs Rathmore Stud where Honeysuckle is now stabled and is also the man who sourced the mare for Alexander - buying her for €110,000 after winning a point-to-point.
Walk In The Park is the leading National Hunt stallion in Ireland and the UK at the moment having sired jumping stars like Douvan, Jonbon and Facile Vega in recent times.
His fee is private and he stands at Coolmore’s Grange Stud in Cork
The gestation period for a mare is usually around 11 months so Honeysuckle’s first foal should be born around March 2024 meaning it could be 2028 before he or she is seen on a racecourse.
READ NEXT:
Emotional scenes as Ireland women sevens qualify for Olympic Games
"We'll be gunning for it" Graham Rowntree on Munster's URC final date after victory over Leinster
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend complete successful American raid with Scaramanga
Ian Garry calls out top UFC contender after biggest victory of his career
Rachael Blackmore to be investigated over controversial ride on well-backed horse
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
