Tony McCoy's ride on Binocular in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown was the subject of an inquiry after which the stewards expressed themselves satisfied.
The 2010 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle hero travelled well enough for a long way in the Grade One contest on his first outing since last March, but he was left in Hurricane Fly's wake and then just failed to get past Thousand Stars on the run to the line when trying to grab second spot. He went down by a nose.
The stewards inquired into the running and riding of the gelding and after interviewing both trainer Nicky Henderson and McCoy, accepted their explanations.
Henderson stated McCoy was not tied to any instructions as he knew the horse well and that he was having his first run since March and the weather had held up his preparations, despite him being the same weight as for his last run.
He was satisfied with the ride, but expressed the view that the horse would be seen to better effect on better ground.
McCoy explained that he intended to follow Hurricane Fly, but before the second-last he knew he would not be able to challenge the winner, while still hoping to obtain second place.
Despite riding out and squeezing all the way up the straight he was unable to get past the second horse, and added Binocular was inclined to lean left, showing he was tired.
"The stewards had a look at it and they were quite happy. There's nothing more to say about it," said Frank Berry, racing manager to Binocular's owner JP McManus.
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests