THE irrepressible partnership of Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore lit up the Winter Festival at Fairyhouse with a smooth success to win her third Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and looks firmly on track to defend her Champion Hurdle crowns on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Kenny Alexander’s star mare travelled with consummate ease as Stormy Ireland set off at what looked to be a ferocious gallop, one which the overall race time supports.