BITE BARES TEETH
£1m bonus tempts trainer Henderson
NICKY HENDERSON’S frustration in having to withdraw Gold Present from tomorrow’s Randox Health Grand National because of soft ground was tempered after he landed a treble on the opening day of the big Aintree meeting.
“It has been a really great day,” said Henderson. “But I must say it’s a team effort. Everybody has pushed the boat out, literally, because it has been so wet at home and on the racecourse.”
Henderson, always reluctant to compare some of his past greats, was purring about Might Bite’s victory in the Betway Bowl Chase, in the hands of Nico de Boinville.
“He’s a gorgeous horse to look at – he’s in Sprinter Sacre’s league in sex appeal,” he said. “Also, he’s starting to show a fair bit of it on the racecourse too.”
Might Bite paid a glowing compliment to Native River who had beaten him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Always travelling well on the shoulder of Bristol De Mai, he effortlessly took up the running at the second-last fence and came home by an unextended seven lengths. Bristol De Mai held on for second place with Clan Des Obeaux finishing third.
“He’s been fresh and well since Cheltenham,” said Henderson. “You’d have thought he’d have been the one who wouldn’t be as he had such a gruelling race.
“I’ve always said I wanted to be mindful of him. He’s not a fragile horse in any sense but you always have to be wary of his head. I felt it was quite brave coming here and I had my doubts.
“However, he’s only effectively had three races this season – I know he had a canter round Sandown before the King George (when winning a Listed chase) – and they are here to race.
“His jumping today was just an exhibition round – he’s all class. The plan will be the same next year. I’d love to have another crack at the Gold Cup on good ground. We might be a bit braver next year and go to the King George via the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park.”
Spectacular
If Might Bite pulls that treble off he will pocket the £1m bonus. Betway offer 20-1 about the gelding hitting the jackpot.
Henderson kicked off the meeting in spectacular style when We Have A Dream took the Doom Bar Anniversary 4YO Hurdle in the hands of Daryl Jacob.
“We Have A Dream had the advantage of not going to Cheltenham as he had a temperature the Monday before,” said Henderson about the fouryear-old who is unbeaten in Britain since arriving from France.
“While that was a pity at the time, maybe it was a blessing as he was a fresh horse today.”
Henderson took the race with Binocular in 2008 before he went on to win the Champion Hurdle two years later.
“Obviously, we will be thinking about the Champion for him next year, but that’s it for the season.”
Henderson wrapped up a memorable day when L’Ami Serge proved too strong for Supasundae in the Betway Aintree Hurdle, making it a double for Jacob.
Unlike Henderson, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the owners of L’Ami Serge and We Have A Dream, do have a Grand National runner.
“Winning the National would be the biggest dream of all,” said Munir. “We’re hoping it’s third time lucky with Ucello Conti. He finished sixth in 2016 and was brought down last year.”