Honeysuckle owner planning to have more horses trained in Britain

Henrietta Knight's well-publicised assertion in the Racing Post that Irish jump racing not only boasts better horses but better trainers has predictably provoked a range of reactions.

Peter Molony, racing manager to Honeysuckle's high-profile owner Kenny Alexander, said he had every confidence in the ability of British trainers to score at the highest level, while Britain's leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival Nicky Henderson pointed to what he hopes is his own "professional outfit".

Veteran handler Mick Easterby said Knight – a three-time Gold Cup winner with Best Mate – was "talking silly".