10:48am Wednesday 17th March 2010
NICKY Henderson’s Binocular made a comeback of Lazarus-like proportions to land the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
The six-year-old looked a major player having finished a close-up third 12 months ago, but three below-par efforts this term led to connections ruling him out of this year’s race just a month ago.
However, a couple of improved pieces of work last week forced a rethink and it proved to be the correct decision as the 9-1 chance travelled ominously well throughout before quickening away after the last to beat Khyber Kim comfortably.
Henderson said: ‘‘It hasn’t been an easy passage this year. When he was beaten last year, we said he’d come back and AP (McCoy) said he would win it. We were actually ninetenths taking him out and we said he wouldn’t run.
‘‘We did a lot of work. We’ve got a fantastic team and we ironed out a few things.’’ McCoy added: ‘‘When I schooled him last week it was the first time he has hurdled like we know Binocular can – like a champion hurdler.
‘‘He didn’t have a good build-up this year. He has not been hurdling (well) all year, he’s just done something funny every time.
‘‘I’m so happy for JP (Mc- Manus, owner). This is better than any feeling I have had from the horse. It’s hard to win here and this is everything.’’ Khyber Kim’s jockey Paddy Brennan was thrilled with the performance of the runnerup.
He said: ‘‘It went perfectly and I couldn’t be more happy with my horse.’’ His trainer Nigel Twiston- Davies said: ‘‘I was happy all the way.
“The race went perfectly for him and at the bottom of the hill I thought he looked home and hosed.
‘‘I must admit I am disappointed that he got beat and will now go off and drown myself!
‘‘He’s almost certain to go to Aintree providing he’s OK for the two-and-a-half-mile race and I’m sure that won’t be a problem.’’ For many Sizing Europe is another comeback kid as he shook off the memory of Champion Hurdle disappointment two years ago with an impressive win in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy.
Henry de Bromhead’s eightyear- old let down favourite backers in 2008 when tailed off in the hurdling blue riband but looks the real deal over fences judged on this impressive triumph.
De Bromhead said: ‘‘He seemed to be travelling brilliantly and jumping great.
‘‘He got a fantastic ride and it all went right on the day.
‘‘Hopefully he’ll be back next year for the Queen Mother.’’ The day got off to the worst possible start for punters as the supposed banker of the day, Dunguib, was beaten at odds-on in the Spinal Research Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
All went swimmingly for a long way but he could not pick up when push came to shove and it was Philip Hobbs’ 12-1 shot Menorah who struck gold under Richard Johnson.
Dunguib is now likely to stick to the novice route at next month’s Punchestown Festival.
Willie Mullins’ Quevega took the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle for the second successive year under Ruby Walsh with another imperious display.
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