2023 Irish Champion Hurdle Odds - Honeysuckle trails State Man in Leopardstown betting

Honeysuckle suffered the first defeat of her career on her reappearance in the Hatton's Grace, where Henry De Bromhead's mare was beaten into third by Teahupoo and Klassical Dream. Honeysuckle is, however, still unbeaten over two miles and returns to Leopardstown looking for her fourth-straight victory in this Grade One.

The defending champion sits second in the betting behind State Man, who's risen to the top of the two-mile hurdle ranks in Ireland, thanks to victories in the Morgiana and Matheson Hurdles this season. Willie Mullins' star beaten stablemates Vauban and Sharjah when collecting the Matheson Hurdle here over Christmas and both could return to take on State Man at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Willie Mullins could also be represented by Echoes In Rain and Sir Gerhard, who's also entered up in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. Gordon Elliot could run Pied Piper and Zanahiyr, with both looking to bounce back following poor efforts over Christmas. Thomas Mullins' Takarengo is the final entrant in this year's Irish Champion Hurdle.