THERE were links between racing and other equestrian disciplines on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown last Sunday, the highlight being the hat trick success in the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle by the mare Honeysuckle under former Tipperary Pony Club member, show/working hunter pony competitor and event rider Rachael Blackmore.

The Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle was landed by the Jeremy gelding Sir Gerhard who was bred by Keatingstown Bloodstock, the thoroughbred arm of the breeding enterprise run in Kilkenny by leading show jumper Susan Fitzpatrick and family.

The Grade 2 Coolmore NH Sires Santiago Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race, which rounded off the card, was won by the 40/1 shot Lily Du Berlais who is trained by Stuart Crawford and was ridden by his brother Ben, both of whom evented internationally for Ireland.