Tony McCoy 'gutted' over Binocular withdrawal

Star jockey Tony McCoy believes Binocular's withdrawal from the Champion Hurdle has "taken the gloss off" this year's festival.

Binocular, the defending champion, was ruled out on Sunday after allergy medication was found in his system which would not clear in time for Tuesday's race.

McCoy told 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.

"I only found out late on Saturday night when (owner) JP McManus rang to tell me, and then Nicky Henderson phoned on Sunday morning to confirm it.

"I am gutted. I feel completely hollow and will now watch the race on the TV in the changing room. I hate sitting out championship races. There will, I am sure, be plenty of downers during the week but this was a kick in the groin before it had even started.

Cheltenham Festival tickets are available now.