Now 15 wins from 15 hurdles races

CHELTENHAM, United Kingdom - Rachael Blackmore and the remarkable Irish race mare Honeysuckle retained the Champion Hurdle crown with an impressive victory on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday.

Blackmore cruised clear on the Henry de Bromhead-trained star to beat home 2020 champion Epatante and make it 15 wins from 15 hurdles races.

The duo have become an iconic partnership in Ireland even having their images printed on a postage stamp.

Unlike last year Blackmore and Honeysuckle returned to a rousing roar from spectators -- who were forbidden in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

"She's an incredible mare," said Blackmore, wearing a yellow and blue armband in support of Ukraine during their invasion by Russia.

Honeysuckle -- winning her 11th Grade One race -- also gave the Irish punters a boost after failing to land a win in the first three races on the card.