Should the Mares' Hurdle enter Honeysuckle equation? Two writers have their say

Yes - De Bromhead right to leave options open

Ducking and diving has been mentioned a few times in the Racing Post in recent weeks and social media did not take too kindly to Henry de Bromhead revealing the Mares' Hurdle is "very much on his mind" for star mare Honeysuckle.

For De Bromhead to rule out any Cheltenham Festival race on December 11 would be bizarre though – he is simply doing best by his wondermare and connections. Not to mention ante-post punters. As the trainer said on Sunday, it is his job to find the race she has the best chance of winning.

Despite finishing third in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle, Honeysuckle was only 2lb short of her best Racing Post Rating recorded in that race and De Bromhead has in no way ruled her out of a tilt at a third Champion Hurdle. Why would you with three months to go?

The daunting task of taking on Constitution Hill will make plenty of connections think twice, so why should Honeysuckle's team be any different?

The picture will become clearer after the Irish Champion Hurdle in February. If back to her best at Leopardstown, a historic Champion Hurdle bid will surely remain hard to resist and so we could still get the big clash everyone would like to see.
Jack Haynes, reporter

No - We simply cannot have this showdown taken away from us

When you keep diluting sometimes the taste turns sour.

Championship races are for champions and Honeysuckle is not only a champion but a double champion. We need her there to defend her crown. Her absence would be a travesty for the sport.

Henry de Bromhead's job is not to please me and you, but to train Honeysuckle and he has been doing a damn good job of it. I don't blame him for exploring the Mares' Hurdle option at all but, as a racing fan, I would be devastated if she didn't clash with Constitution Hill.

Constitution Hill: the one to beat in the Champion HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

If there were no such thing as a Mares' Hurdle we wouldn't be having this discussion, and therein lies the root of the problem.

The fact of the matter is that Honeysuckle has run to an RPR of 165 on two occasions in her career and, if she reaches that level in the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill would have to run to 173 to beat her.

Maybe he would swat her away, but her legacy wouldn't be harmed by an honourable second to him. Yes, she would probably land the Mares' Hurdle and end her career on a winning note, but it would leave a sour taste in my mouth.
David Jennings, Deputy Ireland editor

Read more . . .

'My job is to find the race she can win' – Mares' Hurdle option for Honeysuckle

'We were delighted with her run' – Honeysuckle still on track for Irish Champion (£)

'It was always going to happen some day' – Honeysuckle thwarted by Teahupoo

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