Mark Walsh to ride Epatante in Punchestown showdown with Honeysuckle

Mark Walsh will ride Epatante for the first time when she bids to exact revenge on Honeysuckle in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday.

Successful under Barry Geraghty in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, the Nicky Henderson-trained Epatante needed a new partner after the rider's retirement so connections turned to Aidan Coleman.

However, the new duo were no match for Honeysuckle as she sauntered to victory in the Champion Hurdle last month, beating the third-placed Epatante by nine and a half lengths.

Walsh, a senior figure in the Irish jumps weighing room, is among the inner circle of Epatante's owner JP McManus and has had more rides in Ireland for him than anyone else.

Fellow raider Goshen, who flopped in the Champion Hurdle, also runs and, like Epatante, is eligible for Paddy Power's €100,000 bonus to any British-trained winner of the race.

Sharjah, who was second at Cheltenham, was another confirmed to run, along with the high-class Abacadabras.

Six go to post for Punchestown's other Grade 1 on Friday, the Alana Homes Champion Novice Hurdle, and impressive Ballymore Novices' Hurdle winner Bob Olinger is the star turn in that.

Bob Olinger: runs at Punchestown on FridayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Declarations also came through on Wednesday for Friday's fixture at Goodwood where a watering issue had caused some concern for officials.

That was rectified on Tuesday, but the ground remains quick – described as good to firm, firm in places – and only 40 horses were declared for the card's seven races.

The track's PR executive Lucy Snell said: "We got water back late yesterday afternoon and watered through to 11pm. The tank has refilled overnight and we have started again this morning and will continue to water through to Thursday.

"We have declared the latest going as good to firm, firm in places, which is likely to remain until the fixture."

Paddy Power Champion Hurdle
Paddy Power: 4-7 Honeysuckle, 11-2 Epatante, 10 Abacadabras, 12 Aspire Tower, Sharjah, 14 Goshen, 16 Jason The Militant, 50 Darver Star

Read more:

Denise Foster relishing prospect of rematch between Abacadabras and Honeysuckle

Jack Kennedy weaves his magic as Abacadabras lasts out Aintree Hurdle trip

Honeysuckle's Champion Hurdle win watched by 1.5m on ITV Racing on record day

Wonder women! Rachael Blackmore makes history with stunning win on Honeysuckle

Coleman new rider for Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante with Fighting Fifth next

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!