Might Bite claims Boxing Day’s King George VI success at Kempton Park

With jockey Nico de Boinville at the helm, the Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old did enough to counter the late charges from Double Shuffle and Tea For Two to take the festive honours.

Might Bite more than made amends for falling in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at this meeting 12 months ago, thanks in no small part due to de Boinville who was perfectly positioned throughout. He guided his mount into the lead as the pack left the back straight and from that point there was only one winner as Might Bite ate up the ground in the home straight with his long, raking stride to win by a length.

Double Shuffle and Tea For Two both stayed on well for second and third respectively, with Thistlecrack back in fourth. With exception to the winner – who travelled well on the outside – and runners-up, those who tried to keep up with the blistering early pace set by Bristol De Mai were nowhere to be seen come the finish.

Henderson, who was understandably thrilled with the performance of this horse, 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.”

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

“He’s given me a great spin and I couldn’t be more delighted for the team.

“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.”

The win gave trainer Nicky Henderson a big-race Kempton double after Buveur D’Air triumphed in the Christmas Hurdle earlier on the Kempton card.

Buveur D’Air went into the race as clear favourite but was challenged by The New One in the closing stages. However Barry Geraghty’s mount went up a gear when it had to and went on to win handsomely by two and a quarter lengths. Mohaayed was third almost a further four lengths back.

There was also a first Grade One victory for Bryony Frost on Black Corton in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase as she emulated the success of Lizzie Kelly who achieved the feat on Tea For Two in the same race in 2015.