Binocular may shift focus to Punchestown

Racing:Nicky Henderson is keen to run former champion hurdler Binocular at either Aintree or Punchestown. The 2010 winner was all set to defend his title before Henderson was forced to withdraw him after medication he was given to treat an allergy failed to clear his system in time.

The Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles and the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, in which Punjabi was beaten a short-head by Solwhit in 2009 for the yard having won it in 2008, are the options.

However, with Punchestown not taking place until May this year, fast ground may be a concern.

Henderson said: “He’s in work, JP (McManus, owner) and I briefly talked in the week, but we’ll sit down and discuss it. He hasn’t missed a day’s work since Christmas, but we’ll have a meeting over the next week to decide which horses go on to Aintree and Punchestown.”