Nicky Henderson’s Might Bite wins the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day at Kempton racecourse
Nicky Henderson's chaser held off the late challenges of Double Shuffle and Tea For Two to triumph in the Grade 1 contest
MIGHT BITE showed none of his quirks as he held off his late challengers to win the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton.
Nico de Boinville sent Might Bite into the lead as they rounded the home turn and he had plenty left in the tank despite Double Shuffle and Tea For Two finishing strongly.
Bristol De Mai had been prominent throughout the race but weakened when it got to the business end.
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Winning jockey 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.
"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."
Sun Bets slashed Might Bite into 7-2 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March following his victory.
Templegate's TV tips
1.05 Chepstow - Top Gamble: 'Loves the mud and he's slipped to a nice weight'
1.20 Kempton - The Unit: 'The small field and decent pace should play into his hands'
1.35 Chepstow - Chef D'Ouevre: 'I’m banking on the testing conditions and blinkers doing the trick'
1.55 Kempton - Midnight Tour: 'Progressive last season and made a promising return'
2.10 Chepstow - Look My Way: 'Promising second last time and should handle the ground'
2.30 Kempton - Politologue: 'There’s more to come and he should make it a hat-trick of wins this season'
2.50 Chepstow - Ask The Weatherman: 'Made a cracking handicap debut when successful at Exeter last month'
3.05 Kempton - Sir Ivan: 'His third behind Elegant Escape and Black Corton at Newbury looks good form'
Henderson added: "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."