Might Bite takes the crown with something to spare

● Reputation regained in tough outing

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

The Nicky Hendersontrained 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 fourthlast fence after the long-time leader looked to be struggling. Might Bite (6-4 favourite) had to stave off several challenges in the straight but never looked like being caught as he held off Double Shuffle (50-1) by a length, with Tea For Two (20-1) another two lengths away in 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. 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.”

Henderson said: “He jumped beautifully all the way and he enjoys doing that – he’s so exuberant.”

Earlier, another Henderson star, Buveur D’air, had no trouble taking his winning streak to eight when he stamped his authority on the Unibet Christmas Hurdle.

The New One gave the reigning champion hurdler a lead from flag-fall until after the second-last flight where Buveur D’air ranged alongside Nigel Twiston-davies’ popular performer.

Barry Geraghty asked the six-year-old for a bold leap at the last and the 2-11 shot attacked the obstacle before bounding two and a quarter lengths clear. 0 Nico de Boinville celebrates after Might Bite took the lead at the fourth last to win by a length