Binocular topples Halo at Aintree

Binocular lost his unbeaten record at the Cheltenham Festival, but lessons were learned and he regained winning ways in impressive fashion in the John Smith’s 250th Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices Hurdle at Aintree.

The Nicky Henderson-trained runner, who carries the colours of JP McManus, took on older horses in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park and beat all but Captain Cee Bee, having led soon after the penultimate flight only to be caught in the final half-furlong.