Might Bite wins the King George VI Chase at Kempton

  • Might Bite lived up to his lofty reputation to win the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day
  • Bristol De Mai made most of the running but Might Bite launched a charge with four fences to go
  • Might Bite never looked like being caught as he held Double Shuffle by a length, with Tea For Two taking third
  • The Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old made amends for falling at this meeting 12 months ago

Might Bite lived up to his lofty reputation from his novice days to land the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton.

The Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old made amends for falling in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at this meeting 12 months ago – but it was hard work once the pack closed in.

Bristol De Mai made most of the running but always had Might Bite for company and Nico de Boinville decided to let him go on from the fourth-last fence after the long-time leader looked to be struggling.

Might Bite lived up to his lofty reputation by winning the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day

The Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old made amends after he fell in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase  12 months ago

The Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old made amends after he fell in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase 12 months ago

The 6-4 favourite had to stave off several challenges in the straight but never looked like being caught in the closing stages

The 6-4 favourite had to stave off several challenges in the straight but never looked like being caught in the closing stages

Might Bite (6-4 favourite) had to stave off several challenges in the straight but never looked like being caught as he held Double Shuffle (50-1) by a length, with Tea For Two (20-1) another two lengths away third.

Last year’s winner Thistlecrack was fourth.

De Boinville said: ‘He was fantastic. On a horse that jumps as well as him you can’t keep taking him back.

‘Bristol De Mai was just making a few mistakes and I was jumping into the lead, so instead of taking a pull I let him go and enjoy it.

‘He’s given me a great spin and I couldn’t be more delighted for the team. Some of them had five lots this morning so it’s tough, but it’s paid off at the end.

Might Bite held off Double Shuffle's late challenge  by a length, with Tea For Two finishing another two lengths away in third

Might Bite held off Double Shuffle’s late challenge  by a length, with Tea For Two finishing another two lengths away in third

Bristol De Mai made most of the running but had Might Bite (left) for company throughout most of the race

Bristol De Mai made most of the running but had Might Bite (left) for company throughout most of the race

Nico de Boinville (left) decided to let him go on from the fourth-last fence after the leader seemed to be struggling

Nico de Boinville (left) decided to let him go on from the fourth-last fence after the leader seemed to be struggling

‘He jumped the last as if he had plenty left and I think he was just idling slightly. If something had come at him I think he’d have gone again.

‘He’s a delightful horse. I was a bit worried about the ground, having ridden on it earlier, but this was great.

‘I must thank the guvnor and the owners for letting me ride him.’

Henderson said: ‘He was great, wasn’t he?

‘He jumped beautifully all the way and he enjoys doing that – he’s so exuberant.

‘He has so much presence and charisma. You can’t help but love him as he’s gorgeous.

‘He loves to show off, and that’s what he was doing most of the way.’



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk