Binocular wins at Sandown in first victory this season

Binocular was third to Punjabi in the 2009 Champion Hurdle

Trainer Nicky Henderson's Binocular recorded a first win of the season when he coasted to victory in the Contenders Hurdle at Sandown.

The 1-7 favourite, ridden by Tony McCoy, beat Dee Ee Williams and Marodima in little more than a canter.

Henderson said: "He has done all that was asked of him and we have got five weeks to go until Cheltenham."

Punchestowns brought Henderson double success as he swept home first in the Challengers Novices' Chase.

The trainer's Triumph Hurdle hope, According, trailed in a disappointing sixth in the Juvenile Notices' Hurdle, which was won by Diktalina.

The win for Binocular sees the runner remain at a general 7-1 odds for next month's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old was thwarted by less than a length when beaten into third at the Festival last year.

After the run-out at Sandown, Henderson said: "He enjoyed himself out there and it will have done everyone good.

"It is important to get runs into them at this time of year and there is still a bit to work on."

606: DEBATE Have your say on Binocular's form

McCoy added that there was still work to do with the JP McManus-owned runner, but said he had faith in Henderson's training ability.

He said: "For some reason he is not showing the same level as last year.

"He may progress with another month but he is some way off it yet, although his trainer is a master of getting them ready for Cheltenham."

Festival hopes are high for trainer Alison Thorpe and the Cartmel Syndicate as Diktalina burst According's Cheltenham bubble in the Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.

Diktalina streaked away from the field over the final few flights to cause a 16-1 upset.

Thorpe said: "It is nice to have something to go to Cheltenham with and she is improving all the time.

"We will put her in the Fred Winter and the Triumph Hurdle and see what we do."

In the Challengers Novices' Chase, Punchestowns overcame a blunder at the seventh fence to take the race.

McCoy had already set up a handy lead on Tchico Polos but rider Barry Geraghty remained patient and soon had the 4-11 favourite jumping sweetly again.

Punchestowns went on to give Henderson a second win as he beat Tchico Polos at the last to win as he liked by eight lengths.