FAIRYHOUSE 14:40

Non Runners: SIRE DU BERLAIS (FR), SAMS PROFILE. Hurdles: 11.

Time: 4m 50.4s Closing Sectional: (4.2f): 61.9s (98.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.2%

A Grade 1 event that produced its fourth 3-time winner in its 28-year history, Honeysuckle following in the footsteps of fellow mares Solerina and Apple's Jade by gaining her victories consecutively; this renewal was run at a good gallop thanks to the trailblazing Stormy Ireland, Ronald Pump taking over 3 out, but only with the looming presence of the strong-travelling reigning Champion Hurdler, who had already assumed control before crossing the next obstacle.

HONEYSUCKLE was starting out on another campaign - this time as the best hurdler in training - at a familiar venue and duly preserved her unbeaten record, the manner of this victory more in keeping to the first of her 2 previous wins in this race (in 2019) than last year's narrow beating of Ronald Pump, not needing to match the top-notch level of her subsequent efforts last season, though a dominant performance nevertheless, whilst typically keeping her supporters on their toes until crossing the last; chased leaders, travelled strongly, untidy second, led on bridle after 3 out, quickened clear early in straight, in control when steadied into last, won easily; on a weekend in which Epatante could manage only a share of the spoils in the Fighting Fifth, Honeysuckle currently holds a controlling position in this division, her next outing likely to be in early-February when bidding for a third straight Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

RONALD PUMP who finished just ½-length behind Honeysuckle in last season's (more steadily-run) renewal, returned to form in refitted headgear (first-time blinkers) after 6 months off; chased leader, hit fourth, led briefly 3 out, left behind by winner early in straight; he'll presumably have a campaign geared around the Stayers' Hurdle, bidding to go one place better than in 2019/20 (was forced to bypass last season's renewal).

ABACADABRAS (FR) looked rusty after 7 months off; mid-division, not fluent fourth, plugged on from 3 out, went third before last, no further impression; a dual Grade 1-winner last season, he's likely to be much closer to form next time, perhaps in next month's Matheson, where he reportedly won't have Honeysuckle to worry about.

DARASSO (FR) wasn't up to this better company but probably remains in form, ridden to pick up some pieces; raced well off the pace, not fluent 4 out, merely closed up late.

SALDIER (FR) underperformed after a further 8 weeks off, more to it than the longer trip/superficial cut found on his right hind; mid-division, ridden 3 out, untidy next, weakened before last.

STORMY IRELAND (FR) backed at long odds, nevertheless shaped as if better for the run after 6 months off; soon well clear, blundered second, reduced advantage when not fluent 5 out, headed 3 out, weakened before next.

SKYACE (IRE) was a Grade 1 winner (over C&D) as recently as April but hasn't shown anything like that form since; in rear, tailed off when untidy 4 out.

LATEST EXHIBITION (IRE) suffered a fatal injury back over hurdles; held up, not fluent sixth, pushed along 3 out, went wrong home turn.