Binocular could be part of the largest field for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle in 18 years with Nicky Henderson’s hot favourite one of 24 horses declared for Tuesday’s main event.

REIGNING Champion Hurdler Katchit’s season did not get off to the best possible start as he suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Snap Tie in the WBX.COM Hurdle at Kempton yesterday.

Katchit boosted his claims for the Champion Hurdle with a solid victory in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

Lemon Silk was added to the reopened Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday.

Mick Fitzgerald, who nearly retired last year, made sure no-one thinks he is finished just yet with a double at Kempton.