Henry de Bromhead’s mare lost out to State Man at Leopardstown yesterday.
THERE WAS A ripple of applause when Colman Comerford led Honeysuckle from the pre-parade ring into the parade ring at Leopardstown yesterday. You rarely get that, applause for a racehorse upon entry to the parade ring. But Honeysuckle is a rare commodity.
The sense of anticipation grew. The hum, the noise. “Did you see her?” You couldn’t be sure if the reference was to horse or rider. And that anticipation broke out into spontaneous cheers and more applause as Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore made their way up the all-weather strip that runs in front of the grandstand and wends its way down to the two-mile start.
They cheered when the starter said go too, State Man in front, Honeysuckle moving up on his shoulder as they jumped the third flight and wheeled around into the back straight. Honeysuckle stumbled a little on landing over the third last flight, and there was a collective intake of breath from the stands as she did, but she was quickly back on an even keel, equilibrium restored under her motionless rider.