CHELTENHAM 15:30

All 10 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 50.8s Closing Sectional: (4.1f): 55.8s (103.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 101.8%

Zanahiyr was subsequently disqualified

Honeysuckle looked to have a lot in hand on form against rivals that had mostly shown themselves to have something to find to win an average Champion Hurdle, and she became the third odds-on winner of the race in the last decade, following Buveur d'Air, for his second win, and Faugheen, the lack of serious opposition shown up by her main market rival having been absent for a year, her victory almost routine, beating a pair that she'd defeated comfortably before, her form in a race run at an ordinary gallop probably not quite so good as that she showed when winning this in 2021, a much bigger threat to her hat-trick bid in 2023 having emerged at the start of the afternoon.

HONEYSUCKLE duly followed up her win in the 2021 Champion Hurdle, this her third Festival success in all, everything unfolding ideally for her (that she didn't trade above evens in running testament to the straightforwardness of her task), her turn of foot decisive into the straight, strong up the run-in as well, after a good jump looked necessary at the last, just to keep her in control; in touch, jumped fluently, travelled strongly, quickened to lead soon after 2 out, jumped left last, drew clear run-in, ridden out; she's a class apart from the established 2m hurdlers, though Constitution Hill is obviously a very potent threat to her dominance.

EPATANTE (FR) was placed for the third time in 3 attempts in the Champion Hurdle, running as well as she did when winning in 2020, just beaten by a superior mare, though she'd have been perhaps a length closer without her mistake at the last; waited with, went with enthusiasm, effort 2 out, keeping on when mistake last, no impression on winner.

ZANAHIYR (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, ran at least as well as previously, though beaten fair and square, at least the headgear looking to have a positive impact, the Aintree Hurdle over further perhaps worth a try, as he gives the impression he will stay; handy, travelled well, every chance 2 out, not quicken home turn, not fluent last, kept on.

SAINT ROI (FR) in first-time tongue strap, finished fourth in a Grade 1 for the fourth time in his last 5 starts, running up to his best, though without posing much of a threat and very much a known quantity now, not the easiest to place; held up, headway when mistake 2 out, ridden after, stayed on run-in, never on terms.

GLORY AND FORTUNE (IRE) seemed to excel himself, back in Grade 1 company, though there was clearly an element of picking up the pieces, ridden quietly and passing the couple that had set the pace late on, no threat to the principals; held up, not fluent fourth, shaken up 3 out, stayed on approaching last, nearest at the finish.

NOT SO SLEEPY was better behaved than at Kempton and ran close to his best, essentially just not good enough in the very best company; chased leader, took keen hold, upsides third, shaken up before 3 out, outpaced next, plugged on run-in.

APPRECIATE IT (IRE) a chaser on looks, hadn't been seen since a wide-margin winner of the 2021 Supreme and returning in this can't have been the plan, his jumping suggesting one schooled over fences, his appearance beforehand, a bit sweaty and with something to work on, mirrored by the way he didn't quite see out the race, enough in his effort to suggest his ability remains and a bolder showing potentially to come at Punchestown; led, not always fluent, travelled well, shaken up 2 out, headed soon after, no extra approaching last.

ADAGIO (GER) has a good record at this track, but had plenty to find at this level and was below form in first-time tongue strap, unlikely to have got involved even before he clobbered one; held up, took keen hold, bad mistake 3 out, not recover.

TOMMY'S OSCAR (IRE) has been one of the stories of the season over hurdles, but this proved a step too far, not really handling the track and beaten as soon as the tempo lifted; patiently ridden, not settle fully, labouring 3 out.

TEAHUPOO (FR) beaten just once in 7 races over hurdles below Grade 1 level, ran poorly as he stepped up in class, beaten a long way from home, perhaps needing softer ground to be seen to advantage; waited with, lost place quickly 3 out, eased.