Bristol De Mai gets jump on Chase rivals

– The Betfair Chase – the first Grade 1 of the British jump racing season – looked a spellbinding renewal, but the winner was not the one most people expected.

Bristol De Mai, a 13-2 shot, recorded back-to-back wins to remain unbeaten at Haydock, while even-money favourite Might Bite trailed in last.

Bristol De Mai and jockey Daryl Jacob were harried throughout by Cheltenham Gold Cup winner

London

Native River, with Might Bite in third. Thistlecrack and Clan Des Obeaux followed.

The grey, who trounced brilliant Cue Card by 57 lengths on heavy ground last year, had to do it on different going this time around, but still came home four lengths clear of Native River in second. Thistlecrack was a good third. Jacob said: “Everyone was building this up into a two-horse race between Might Bite and Native River, but our camp had different ideas.

“He is a great horse and he jumped super. You needed to jump today.”

Winning trainer Nigel TwistonDavies added: “He is one of the best horses in the country but he is fragile and keeping him 100% is the problem.”

Native River’s trainer Colin Tizzard said: “He was flat out most of the way but we’re pleased with him. We’re trying to win the Gold Cup again and we don’t want to have a light campaign.”

Nicky Henderson was puzzled by the performance of Might Bite, who put in a few sticky jumps and weakened alarmingly.

He said: “He was ponderous at his fences. He’s going to be scoped. They built some big fences for today … but I’m not blaming fences; blame the trainer.”

Bookmakers cut Bristol De Mai to 7-1 (from 25) for the King George on Boxing Day. –