There were joyous scenes in Cheltenham yesterday as Killenaule woman, Rachel Blackmore, was on board Honeysuckle as the 9-year-old mare ran her last race and won the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.
The horse was joint favourite for the race and finished her career with a record of 17 wins from her 19 races including 4 wins at Cheltenham.
The horse is owned by Kenny Alexander who confirmed that it was Honeysuckle’s last race.
There were emotional scenes as the horse entered the winner’s enclosure to a huge reception as the family of trainer Henry de Bromhead met with Rachel Blackmore.
Mr De Bromhead’s 13 year old son, Jack, died last year while taking part in the Glenbeigh Racing Festival in County Kerry.
Rachel remembered Jack in her post win interview saying “We all wish a very special kid was here but he’ll be looking down on us.”
