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Trainer Nicky Henderson has been dealt a crushing blow with the news that Binocular will miss Tuesday’s stanjames.com Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The current champion was 5/2 favourite, just hours before declaration time. The JP McManus-owned gelding was treated for an allergy two weeks ago and did not respond to initial medication and required further treatment.
Unfortunately, Binocular then tested positive for an as yet unidentified substance and on the British Horseracing Authority’s advice, Henderson was forced to withdraw the horse.
Henderson was bitterly disappointed. “We have very regretfully had to decide not to declare Binocular for Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle," he said. “He had an allergy two weeks ago that did not respond to initial medication and on veterinary advice and well within normal parameters he required a further treatment the following day.
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“As we were getting close to the most important race of the year and also because since that administration to Binocular, another horse had tested positive for the same substance, I thought it prudent to take a precautionary test which has also shown to be positive.
“We have therefore reluctantly had to take the BHA’s advice this morning that the only reasonable course in everybody’s interest is not to confirm the entry and he has consequently been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle.
“We are all obviously shattered but I am particularly upset for JP, who has been incredibly understanding as I know how much this horse means to him.”
Hurricane Fly is the new 3/1 favourite with Ladbrokes. Willie Mullins' Irish star heads 100/30 chance Menorah and 4/1 hopeful Peddlers Cross in the revised betting for the big race following Binocular's withdrawal. One punter had wagered £100,000 on Binocular.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "In the first instance, our sympathies go out to all connections who must be understandably gutted with the news. Binocular was brilliant at Kempton in January and most of our trade was done in the aftermath of that race. Everybody who backed him will get their money back."