A delighted Tony McCoy gives Binocular a pat after the Champion Hurdle

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham  

Brilliant Binocular takes Champion Hurdle crown

Report: Cheltenham, Tuesday

Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m½f, 4yo+

BINOCULAR put in a display of the highest calibre to lift the feature race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival and give champion jockey Tony McCoy reason to declare it "the best feeling I've ever had on a horse".

Binocular had suffered a troubled preparation and was actually ruled out of the race with a muscular problem at one stage. It was only last week that the horse was confirmed a definite runner by trainer Nicky Henderson after passing a late fitness test.

However, Binocular showed no ill effects of the stop-start build-up and could be called the winner turning for home. He obviously appreciated the end-to-end gallop set by Celestial Halo and Zaynar.

McCoy oozed confidence running down the hill, and although there were plenty in with chances at the third-last, the race was effectively over when McCoy said 'go' after the penultimate flight.

Khyber Kim had tracked the winner to this stage, but Binocular’s gear change was spectacular and he left the runner-up in his wake.

One punter will be cursing the late decision to allow Binocular to run after laying the JP McManus-owned six-year-old for just over £25 at 998-1 on Betfair. 

McCoy said: "I don't know why, but I schooled him last week and it was the first time he hurdled like Binocular can and he did the same today. I'm so happy for JP. This is better than any feeling I've ever had on a horse."

Nicky Henderson: first and third

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

A relieved Nicky Henderson said: “We have not been happy with him all season and even after his latest victory it was clear that it was not the Binocular we know.

"He was out of the race but for some reason he turned the corner and was electric when Tony schooled him lastweek. I thought Zaynar also ran a brave race under a very good ride from Andrew Tinkler to finish third.”

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Khyber Kim had no excuses but was looking forward to a rematch. He said: "We were beaten by a better horse and have no excuses, but I'd love another go at Binocular as I don't think he'll always be better."

The disappointment of the race was favourite Go Native, who never travelled with his usual fluency.

Trainer Noel Meade said: "He dived at the second and Paul [Carberry] said he never felt right after that. He was lucky to stand up and must have hurt himself as that can't have been his true running."

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