Former Cheltenham supremo has 'no regrets' over under fire Mares' Hurdle

Edward Gillespie, who is credited with helping transform the Cheltenham Festival into the phenomenon it is today, accepts the view that the Mares' Hurdle has diluted the Champion Hurdle, but insists he had no regrets about overseeing its introduction during his time at the helm.

Gillespie, who spearheaded the success of the track since 1980 before stepping down in 2012, had his hands at the controls when the festival became a four-day meeting in 2005, while three years later the Mares' Hurdle was inaugurated.

Its place during jump racing's most important week has come under the spotlight in recent days after Henry de Bromhead raised the possibility that dual-Champion Hurdle heroine Honeysuckle might be pointed at it this season rather than bid for a third triumph.