Champion Hurdler Binocular will not defend his title tomorrow after a failed drug test incredibly ruled him out of the Cheltenham festival.
Trainer Nicky Henderson explained how the seven-year old has been taking medication due to an allergy which, although legal, contains substances that would come up banned in a test if the horse competed on Tuesday.
Henderson confirmed: "He had an allergy two weeks ago that did not respond to initial medication and on veterinary advice - and well within the normal parameters - he required a further treatment the following day.
"As we were getting close to the most important race of the year, I thought it prudent to take a precautionary test which, devastatingly, has shown to the positive. We have therefore reluctantly had to take the BHA's advice that the only reasonable course is not to confirm the entry and he has consequently been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle."
He added: "I would very much like to sympathise with all Binocular's supporters and punters who may have backed him ante-post."
National bookmakers Paddy Power, William Hill and Ladbrokes all returned antepost bets placed on the 5-2 favourite, whilst bets made after 8am yesterday with Betfair have been declared void.
15-time Champion Jockey Tony McCoy, who was due to ride Binocular, revealed it ws "utterly devastating."
He wrote in the Daily Telegraph: "I don't think I have ever felt so low going into a Cheltenham Festival as I did on hearing the news that Binocular, my best ride of the meeting, was out of tomorrow's Stan James Champion Hurdle.
"I feel completely hollow and will now watch the race on the TV on the changing room."
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