Horse Racing
Irish Champion Hurdle next for Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is set to contest the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle next after an impressive win in the Hatton's Grace.
The unbeaten five-year-old romped home nine lengths clear of nearest challenger Bacardys at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Honeysuckle does hold entries in the Matheson Hurdle and the Christmas Hurdle but the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown looks the most likely target ahead of the top target - the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Kenny Alexander, racing manager to owner Peter Molony, told the Racing Post: "The original plan was always the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham and we've worked back from there.
"The plan was two runs before Christmas, then a little break, then a prep run before Cheltenham and we're still probably looking at that.
"She's in the two- and three-mile Grade 1s at Leopardstown over Christmas but is unlikely to go there. We'll probably stick to the original plan and go for something like the Irish Champion at Leopardstown, or the Red Mills at Gowran and then straight to Cheltenham.
"It's yet to be finalised, we will sit down again in the next few days, but that's been the original plan and I don't think we'll deviate."
Gareth Freeman is an experienced journalist who can offer in-depth knowledge on a host of sports, especially football, tennis, snooker and basketball.
