Binocular in shock withdrawal from Champion Hurdle

Binocular has sensationally been withdrawn from Tuesday's Stan James Champion Hurdle after trainer Nicky Henderson revealed that treatment for an allergy would cause the horse to test positive. Henderson issued the following statement this morning;

"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. 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 not only surprisingly, let alone devastatingly, 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that the only reasonable course in everybody's interest is not to confirm the entry and he has consequently been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle.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 [McManus] who has been incredibly understanding, as I know how much this horse means to him."

The BHA also issues a statement;

"The Authority received an elective test request from Nicky Henderson this week. The results of those tests came through on Thursday and Binocular had a screening finding for a legitimate veterinary medication. We all wanted to give Binocular every chance to run, both from connections point of view and also thinking of those that had backed him for the Champion Hurdle, therefore over the weekend HFL tested further samples. The results of those tests were still positive. We advised Nicky Henderson and his vets of this result on Saturday night and, bearing in mind that against expectations the levels of the substance were remaining constant, the clear advice was that Binocular would test positive on raceday. We were informed following a further conference call with connections this morning that they had therefore decided not to declare the horse. Because the horse has not run and because the substance is a legitimate medication, we want to be clear that this screening finding is not a breach of the rules. We will continue to assist where we can in establishing when Binocular tests negative and can therefore race again."

This shock news will have affected many ante-post punters, although those that have bet in recent days may find their bookmaker was offering non-runner, no bet. The market has been corrected and now Menorah and Hurricane Fly are vying for favouritism, with Peddlars Cross just behind in the betting.