Hurdling baton has been passed

Honeysuckle went down on her shield when finishing second in the Irish Champion Hurdle, but it was another indication the guard has well and truly changed in the twomile division.

State Man was barely out of first gear to defeat

Honeysuckle by just under five lengths, winning his fourth Grade 1 in succession. At no point in the race did Honeysuckle look likely to beat him and although we were looking forward to

Constitution Hill versus Honeysuckle in March, we can be just as excited to see State Man take him on at the Cheltenham Festival.

Both horses will arrive at the Champion Hurdle as up-andcoming six-year-olds with the world at their feet and with the supporting cast including another rising star in Vauban, it seems unlikely that the older brigade will have a part to play.

Kenny Alexander was frank after the race, suggesting it could be the Mares’ Hurdle or retirement for his mare. With Epatante also a possible for the Mares’, it could well be two former champions taking part on the opening day of the festival – but in the race after the main event.