Menorah and Fly top new-look Champion Hurdle
Menorah and Hurricane Fly share favouritism with the sponsors for the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday 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 to Press Association Sport, Henderson said: “We have very regretfully had to decide not to declare Binocular for Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle.
“He had an allergy two weeks ago that did not respond to initial medication and on veterinary advice and well within normal parameters he required a further treatment the following day.
“As we were getting close to the most important race of the year and also because since that administration to Binocular, another horse had tested positive for the same substance, I thought it prudent to take a precautionary test which not only surprisingly, let alone devastatingly, has also shown to be positive.
“We have therefore reluctantly had to take the BHA’s advice this morning that the only reasonable course in everybody’s interest is not to confirm the entry and he has consequently been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle.
“We are all obviously shattered but I am particularly upset for JP (McManus), who has been incredibly understanding, as I know how much this horse means to him.
“I would very much like to sympathise with all Binocular’s supporters and punters who may have backed him ante-post.”
To help lessen the blow to punters, several bookmakers are to refund all bets on Binocular.
“Due to the circumstances of the enforced defection of Binocular from our race, Stan James will refund all Champion Hurdle bets struck on the horse prior to today’s news,” said their head of on-course PR Neil Morrice.
“As big-race sponsors we feel compelled to treat the betting public in the fairest way by making this concession, whilst also transferring the offer of a free bet should Binocular win to the race’s new joint-favourite, Hurricane Fly.
“We share the disappointment of Binocular’s defection with his sporting connections.”
While Menorah is market leader with some firms, Stan James could not separate Philip Hobbs’ charge and the Willie Mullins-trained runner, quoting the pair at 7-2.
Henderson will still have a runner in the shape of Welsh Champion Hurdle winner Oscar Whisky, while Alan King’s Salden Licht was the only other defector at the 48-hour final declaration stage, leaving a field of 11.
Ruby Walsh teams up with Hurricane Fly, the main Irish hope, as both rider and trainer Willie Mullins seek their first success in the race.
Making a belated first appearance at the Festival, Hurricane Fly has already won seven Grade Ones, the latest coming in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January. Mullins also saddles Thousand Stars, winner of the County Hurdle last year.
Peddlers Cross brings a 100% record to the table and carries the hopes of the North.
Donald McCain’s stable star has won the Fighting Fifth and Morebattle Hurdles this season and won at last year’s Festival. McCain also saddles Overturn.
Khyber Kim will try to go one better than last year for the Nigel Twiston-Davies team while King, triumphant with Katchit in 2008, relies on Kingwell Hurdle victor Mille Chief.
Philip Fenton is hoping Dunguib, the 2009 Champion Bumper winner, can show his true colours after finishing only third in the Supreme last spring. The field is completed by Bygones Of Brid and Clerk’s Choice.
Stan James Champion Hurdle, sponsors bet: 7-2 Hurricane Fly, Menorah, 4-1 Peddlers Cross, 13-2 Oscar Whisky, 8-1 Dunguib, 12-1 Mille Chief, 14-1 Khyber Kim, 25-1 Thousand Stars, 50-1 Overturn, 66-1 Clerk’s Choice, 200-1 Bygones Of Brid.
