Binocular wins second Christmas Hurdle

Report: Kempton, Monday

Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m, 4yo+

FORMER Champion Hurdle winner Binocular landed his second Christmas Hurdle in thrilling fashion, getting up after the last to overhaul Rock On Ruby.

Overturn set a stiff gallop as usual under Jason Maguire,  and as the field turned for home Overturn had them all at it with the two challengers in behind under a drive from their respective jockeys.

However working off the home bend Ruby Walsh moved Rock On Ruby upsides the long-time leader, while Tony McCoy took Binocular up the inside, the duo challenging on either side of the recent Fighting Fifth winner Overturn.

Between the last two Overturn's challenge wilted and Rock On Ruby took the last in the lead, but a better jump and a driving McCoy finish saw Binocular become the fourth favourite in the first four races at Kempton to win, at a price of 5-4.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "He had jump well to win, and we still feel there is some improvement to come. AP said beforehand he hoped he'd be off the bridle early and it took him some time to get into the race, but we know he stays.

"He's very good, but he just needs a bit of fine tuning. He will certainly have another run, but might dodge Sandown. He's proved the ability is still huge and we just have to get him spot on for March. He had been in good form at home."

Paul Nicholls said of the second: "If he'd winged the last it could have made a big difference. Cheltenham will suit him better and I could end up with three challengers. It depends what I do with Zarkandar and Brampour as to where he goes next."