Binocular set for Hurricane showdown
Binocular will clash with Hurricane Fly at Punchestown next month after connections confirmed the seven-year-old on course for the Rabobank Champion Hurdle on May 6.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, the seven-year-old Binocular was forced to miss his defence of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham won by Hurricane Fly as treatment for an allergy had not cleared his system in time.
He could only manage a disappointing fourth at Aintree last time out.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, revealed today: “Binocular is heading to Punchestown for the Rabobank Champion Hurdle, all being well.
“He is fine after Aintree, he is in good form and we couldn’t be happier with him.
“Nothing came to light after Aintree, so we can’t put a finger on exactly what happened there. He ran a good race but just didn’t pick up perhaps as well as he should have, but he has come out of it good and hopefully he will go to Punchestown.
“Missing Cheltenham was just one of those things. Importantly, he is sound and in good form so let’s hope he runs a good race if he goes there.”
