3 minute read

Stewards questioned Tony McCoy's ride on Binocular in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown after he finished third behind Cheltenham bound Hurricane Fly.

The 2010 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle hero travelled well for a long way in the Grade One contest on his first outing since last March but he was left in Hurricane Fly's wake and then just failed to get past Thousand Stars when trying to grab second spot.

The stewards inquired into the running and riding of the gelding but after interviewing both trainer Nicky Henderson and McCoy accepted their explanations.

Henderson stated McCoy was not tied to any instructions as he knew Binocular well and that he was having his first run since March.

He added the weather had held up his preparation and was satisfied with the ride, but expressed the view that the horse would be seen to better effect on better ground.

McCoy explained that he intended to follow Hurricane Fly but before the second-last he knew he would not be able to challenge the winner while still hoping to obtain second place.

Despite riding out all the way up the straight he was unable to get past the second horse, and added Binocular was inclined to lean left, showing he was tired.

"The stewards had a look at it and they were quite happy. There's nothing more to say about it," said Frank Berry, racing manager for Binocular's owner JP McManus.

Trainer Willie Mullins hailed Hurricane Fly as back to his best as he recorded his third successive win in most impressive fashion.

The nine-year-old never came off the bridle in registering his 14th G1 success, setting himself up for his bid to regain the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

"He's well used to these conditions and he flies through that ground, so everything went according to plan.

"Everything had gone 100% in his preparation.

"I've had faith in him all year and he seems to be in the sort of form he was two years ago."