Might Bite will not run again until the Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 15th after his trainer Nicky Henderson has today revealed, this is all because he will undergo an operation to have his soft palate re-cauterised, which in other words is similar to a wind operation.
The four time Grade 1 winner who has been out of sorts this year finishing last of five in the Betfair Chase on his seasonal reappearance at Haydock and then a poor seventh in his defence of the King George VI Chase at Kempton despite being favourite for both.
(Credit Racing post) Henderson said: "After many discussions with all the relevant professionals we have decided to cauterise his palate, which is exactly the same procedure we did in 2016, along with him being hobdayed.
"We have not heard any noises, but after considerable discussions with our experts they suggest this may be the best course of action. It is not a 100 per cent sure, but eight times out of ten it is respiratory, so it makes perfect sense to go ahead with the procedure, which will happen today."
Last year's favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup was a general 7/1 to take this seasons contest at Prestbury Park but after his two poor runs he is now a best price of 14/1.
After the King George it was reported that the nine year old had bled, but did not thing this was enough of a reason for how poorly he fell away in the race and completely did not perform to anything of his best.
(Credit Unibet and Racing Post) Henderson added: "Timing wise we are absolutely fine, as he’ll miss less than two weeks work.
"It would almost certainly rule him out of running in anything before the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He didn’t run again between Kempton and the Gold Cup last year, so it shouldn’t make any difference again."