Honeysuckle successfully defended her title when claiming a second Unibet Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
The mare is now unbeaten in 15 runs and started as the 8-11 favourite under Rachael Blackmore.
Taking up the lead around the final bend, the Henry de Bromhead-trained bay strode to an unchallenged victory from Epatante.
Blackmore returned last year to empty grandstands due to the coronavirus pandemic – but it was a very different scene this year.
“It’s just incredible. Walking out there in front of the stand with all the people, it’s just such a special place,” she told ITV Racing.
“I’m so lucky to be riding winners here and on this mare. It’s class to have Kenny (Alexander, owner) here as well, he missed it last year.
“She’s just incredible. She kind of decides in a race when she’s happy to go on, I haven’t stopped her from doing that yet.
“She’s just an incredible mare. The work that goes into her at home is unbelievable as well, Henry’s got a great team of staff and they deserve all the credit for this as well.”
De Bromhead said: “It’s a never-ending fairytale, I’m always trying to prepare myself for it to end and she just keeps winning. Rachael is amazing, the whole thing is a fairytale.
“It’s brilliant and no more than she deserves. If goodwill and and all the good lucks won you a race, she would have won by a furlong.
“Most people here were willing her to win. The support we get with her is just incredible.
“You just have to pinch yourself when you’re involved with a horse like her.”
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