Might Bite retired from racing says trainer Nicky Henderson

The 12-year-old son of Scorpion had gone nine outings since his last success, which was a seven-length defeat of Bristol De Mai in the 2018 Betway Bowl Chase at Aintree.

That was one of 10 career victories for the horse, including an incredibly dramatic RSA Chase at Cheltenham in 2017, when appearing to throw away the race after the last, only to reclaim victory from the jaws of defeat (and stablemate Whisper).

Might Bite went on to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton later that year and he won four times at the highest level in total.

Henderson said in his Unibet blog: “He was one of the most amazing characters you’ll ever come across and was the most gorgeous looking horse you will ever see; he had so much presence about him and stood out more than anything else in the parade ring and was in the Sprinter Sacre sort of mould.

“In fact, we pretty much purchased him on looks rather than anything else because at the time his sire, Scorpion, wasn’t as popular as he is now so we took a bit of a shot in the dark but it was definitely worth it and he ended up winning just shy of £607,000 in prize money and ten of his twenty five starts which is quite phenomenal.

“The highlight would have to be the King George in 2017 when he was simply marvellous and was never really going to get beaten that day because his confidence was so high and he was very much at the top of his game.

“It really is a sad day because he was a remarkable horse who had such a great character and gave so many people so much pleasure and fun along the way and there is no doubt the place won’t be the same without him.

“Horses like him don’t come along very often so it’s important to appreciate them when you have them, but time moves on and Might Bite moves on to pastures new and I’m sure he will enjoy a very long and happy retirement with the Barnett family who will treat him like a King, just as he should.”