Fly and Menorah top new-look Champion as Binocular ruled out

HURRICANE FLY and Menorah share favouritism with the sponsors for the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham tomorrow following the shock absence of Binocular.

There was a major upheaval in the betting after trainer Nicky Henderson withdrew the reigning champion on the advice of the British Horseracing Authority after the horse had received treatment for an allergy.

In a statement, Henderson said: “We have very regretfully had to decide not to declare Binocular for Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle.