Honeysuckle cruised to victory in this afternoon's Champion Hurdle, putting in yet another stunning performance at the Cheltenham Festival.
The vast majority of onlookers expected the mare to get the job done for a second year on the spin under Rachael Blackmore, although Appreciate It also had some backing in the markets.
However, not all were convinced by Honeysuckle.
Speaking on At The Races, Matt Chapman said he is not that impressed by Honeysuckle and felt she could fall short on this occasion.
Honeysuckle, @MCYeeehaaa’s lay of the week… #RacingDebate pic.twitter.com/cKxk2LPFwT
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 13, 2022
I've got to lay Honeysuckle.
I think her form is questionable. I think there are one or two in there that have capabilities. Appreciate It obviously, he's a monster of a horse and is going to dwarf Honeysuckle for a start...
She might just be different gravy. She gets the seven pounds, meaning Appreciate It has to run miles better than he has ever run before.
I just want to take her on, I don't think she's a worldie. I didn't think she was impressive last time...
I just don't rate her form that highly. I appreciate she's amazing, she has won 14 races on the trot, but she's going to get beat at some point.
These comments were not missed by trainer Henry de Bromhead, who called out Chapman after the race today.
Henry de Bromhead calls out Matt Chapman after Honeysuckle win
When interviewed after Honeysuckle's win, it didn't take long for de Bromhead to bring up those comments.
"Where's Matt Chapman!?"@HenrydeBromhead after Honeysuckle's historic second win in the Champion Hurdle. 😂
Well, @MCYeeehaaa??#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/Xj1LqLYgjF— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 15, 2022
It's incredible, to get the roar. I just hoped she would get it...
We're wondering where Matt Chapman is? Where's Matt? Honeysuckle wants to meet Matt up in her stable later on.
The Waterford man also did something similar on Twitter moments after the victory was wrapped up.
We remain unbeaten…@CheltenhamRaces 15/15 @MCYeeehaaa @Pmolony1Peter @rachaelblackmor
— Henry de Bromhead (@HenrydeBromhead) March 15, 2022
If you are to learn anything from all of this, it's never to doubt Honeysuckle.
Judging by the reaction to her win this afternoon, it seems not too many of the Cheltenham crowd did.
SEE ALSO: Rachael Blackmore Sums Up Feeling Of Winning With Honeysuckle At Packed Cheltenham
