Binocular looks pure class

Binocular: ante post Cheltenham favourite

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Binocular laid down the most emphatic of Champion Hurdle markers with a totally dominant display in winning the Boylesports.com International at Ascot.

The Grade Two event was rescheduled from Cheltenham a week ago and may be the last time Binocular is seen on the racecourse until the Festival.

But a four-and-a-half-length defeat of Celestial Halo, with his other three rivals Chomba Womba, Katchit and Crack Away Jack a long way behind will have sent out a severe warning to all other aspirants to the crown.

Binocular beat Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo at Aintree and Tony McCoy was unconcerned on the even-money favourite as Ruby Walsh built up an advantage of around 10 lengths from the off.

The field closed up turning for home and although Walsh regrouped, Binocular drew alongside the leader at the second-last and did not even need a flick of the whip as he simply swatted his rival away.

Top-class

"That was a top-class effort," said McCoy. "The second horse was given a great ride by Ruby and I was more worried about him than the three horses around me as he had an uncontested lead.

"I am not surprised by the way Binocular won. He hasn't achieved it yet, but there is not another hurdler around that is as exciting as he is."

Trainer Nicky Henderson added: "This was a tense day and I am glad it is over.

"He was there to be tested today as the runner-up really set some gallop. I don't know if AP was very cool or very confident to let Celestial Halo have a lead like that.

"The way Binocular gets from one side of a hurdle to another is extraordinary - I don't know what the world made of it but it is fair to say I'm happy!"

"This was not a trial - we were here to win and we needed this race, so I am so grateful to everyone for getting it back on.

"A while ago I considered not running him again until the Champion Hurdle after this but he looked as big as a bull beforehand.

"If he had been beaten it may have been because he was short of a run but we will have to see now - he certainly doesn't need any practice!"