HONEYSUCKLE will race on for just one more season as connections eye up a famous third Champion Hurdle win.
Henry De Bromhead’s star mare is now unbeaten in 15 starts and will join the all-time greats with another victory in the two-mile Grade 1.
Honeysuckle was roared into the winners’ enclosure by thousands of Cheltenham punters
She’s racked up nearly £1.2 million in prize money and could run again this year in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.
A mouthwatering clash with Supreme winner Constitution Hill might be on the cards according to both camps.
But it’s her long-term future that has been cleared up with Honeysuckle sure to be a priceless asset to her owner Kenny Alexander’s breeding empire when she is retired.
And fans will get to see her for another year with Alexander’s racing manager confirming she’ll race on next season.
Peter Molony said: “To get any horse to race fit and well 15 times and never be beaten is a mind-blowing achievement.
“And with a mare it’s much more difficult. The whole thing is remarkable.
“We’ve spoken about it in the last few days and I think the plan is for her to have one more season.
“Hopefully she’ll get the chance to return to Cheltenham again for the Champion Hurdle.”
Honeysuckle streaked away from Epatante after the last flight in the Champion Hurdle
Honeysuckle was criticised in some camps before her latest Cheltenham win but De Bromhead believes she’s now answered any remaining doubters.
He said: “I’m not knocking Constitution Hill, he was hugely impressive, but please respect our lady.
“What she has achieved is incredible. If you want to use the term freak with Constitution Hill, that’s fine, but she’s the freak.
“It would be great for racing if the two meet. Obviously Constitution Hill looks a smart novice and he’s only just arrived on the scene.
“We’ll be going for the Champion Hurdle but obviously he has the novice option, so it will be up to his connections as to whether they want to take her on.”
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