Cheltenham 2.10 result: Might Bite justifies favouritism to win the Novices’ Chase in dramatic fashion as he holds off Whisper on the line
It was a photo-finish between Might Bite and Whisper, but the favourite held on to win a humdinger
IN a dramatic finish, Might Bite secured the Novices' Chase in a race that will live long in the memory.
Seemingly with the victory sewn up, the gelding, ridden by Nico de Boinville veered off towards right, and Whisper closed in.
For live updates throughout the day at Cheltenham keep up to date on SunSport’s live blog
But the favourite held off his stable-mate to pip Whisper on the line, as trainer Nicky Henderson bagged a one-two.
The eight-year-old gelding started off strongly after the horses made a standing start to the race - but it nearly went all very wrong.
After jumping the final obstacle some 20 lengths ahead, Might Bite seemed concerned with the loose horse, and veered off towards the rail.
Henderson's other horse and second favourite Whisper quickly closed the gap, and then passed the favourite.
Read More
But de Boinville used everything he had to rustle Might Bite back level, and won it by the slenderest of margins on the line.
Speaking after the race, Henderson said: "Nico [de Boinville] was very brave to go all out, it doesn't look like he is going very quick, but he is going a million miles an hour.
"He just keeps going. Going down to the last, he was looking out there, there's something in his make-up, but the future is just enormous.
"I was nervous Cheltenham wouldn't suit him at all, but he's handled the ground, the people and the place."
