Epatante camp hope back surgery can help but remain wary of Honeysuckle threat

Connections of 2020 Champion Hurdle heroine have left no stone unturned in their attempts to close the gap on rampant mare and current champion Honeysuckle, even if they admit that will be easier said than done.

Epatante looked banker material for a second Champion Hurdle after strolling home in Newcastle's Fighting Fifth last November, but she was then beaten in the Christmas Hurdle and never troubled the unbeaten Honeysuckle in main events at Cheltenham and Punchestown.

Nicky Henderson, who trains the seven-year-old for JP McManus, said: "She was disappointing last season. She was magnificent in the Fighting Fifth and we thought she was the Champion Hurdle winner, but she was beaten in the Christmas Hurdle and then finished third at Cheltenham.