2009 Champion Hurdle third Binocular has been ruled out of the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle due to a muscle problem.

Nicky Henderson’s star chased home stablemate Punjabi in last year’s Grade 1 showpiece and many antepost punters thought that he would go two better at this year’s Festival.

However, all has not gone according to plan this season and after an odds-on flop in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on hi reappearance, he was again defeated in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

He was recently seen getting back to winning ways at Sandown, but he was largely unimpressive against a group of vastly inferior rivals and Henderson ordered that the six-year-old underwent a full examination.

Henderson said: "He's completely sound but a minor, yet significant, muscle problem has been diagnosed and explains our concerns.

"We feel we don't have sufficient time to treat this in order for him to do himself justice in the Champion Hurdle.

"We have unfortunately decided to put him away for the season to ensure he can begin next term as normal and 100% for a full campaign, which we obviously hope will lead us back to Champion Hurdle."

Stan James are offering punters a free bet on this year’s Champion Hurdle, head to the website for more information.

Champion Hurdle 2010 ~ Outright Ante post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)

4    Zaynar (from 9/2)
4    Solwhit (from 9/2)
5    Go Native (from 11/2)
8    Khyber Kim (from 9s)
10    Celestial Halo
10    Medermit
12    Punjabi
14    Dunguib
14    Starluck
14    Sublimity
40    Donnas Palm
50   Bar