Honeysuckle on target with record-breaking Hatton’s Grace in sight

Superstar mare aiming to be first four-time winner.

Honeysuckle will face a maximum of eight rivals as she bids for a record-breaking fourth win in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Limestone Lad, Solerina and Apple’s Jade all recorded a hat-trick in the two-and-a-half-mile feature, but should Henry de Bromhead’s star make a winning return to action on Sunday, she will stand alone as a four-times victor.

The eight-year-old’s 16-race unbeaten record is also on the line, but De Bromhead believes his dual Champion Hurdle winner is ready for action in the Grade One highlight.

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore will team up again on Sunday
Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore will team up again on Sunday (PA)

He said: “She’s great, not a bother on her. She’s really good and seems in good form. Everyone seems happy with her.

“She’s done everything she needed to do more or less, she seems good, seems in good form and all is good, we’re happy.”

Echoes In Rain finished three lengths behind Honeysuckle when the pair were last seen in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle and that mare is part of a possible three-strong challenge from Willie Mullins.

Six-times Grade One winner Klassical Dream and recent Morgiana third Saldier make up the Closutton handler’s squad, with Gordon Elliott also potentially triple-handed with Teahupoo, Commander Of Fleet and Sire Du Berlais.

Gavin Cromwell’s Darver Star and the Jessica Harrington-trained Ashdale Bob also feature.

Banbridge was a Cheltenham winner in November
Banbridge was a Cheltenham winner in November (Tim Goode/PA)

Joseph O’Brien’s recent Cheltenham winner Banbridge is one of 16 in contention for the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase – a race in which Mullins and Elliott are also well-represented.

Mullins has the pick of Adamantly Chosen, Authorized Art, El Barra, Gaillard Du Mesnil and Shadow Rider in the Grade One, with Three Stripe Life, Minella Crooner, Hollow Games and Mighty Potter giving Elliott a strong hand to choose from.

The third top-level event on the card is the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, for which 11 have stood their ground.

Marine Nationale is unbeaten in three for Barry Connell while Mullins has left in Ashroe Diamond, Champ Kiely, Hercule Du Seuil and Polo Lounge – all of whom have won at least once already this term.

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