Henderson worried about Gold Cup ground

Nicky Henderson has admitted the ground conditions are his only concern ahead of Might Bite’s bid to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 67-year-old has been delighted with the shape of the ante-post favourite ahead of next Friday’s big race at Prestbury Park, but revealed that the ground, which was soft, heavy in places on Saturday afternoon, could work against him.

The Seven Barrows trainer is hoping that the rain stays away in the next week to give Might Bite every chance to live up to his billing.

Henderson said: “We are very happy with Might Bite. He did a nice piece of work and it is all systems go for Friday.

“The slight worry is going to be the ground. He won’t relish it as much as some of our others, such as Buveur D’Air (in the Champion Hurdle), but the Cheltenham going can change very quickly.

“I will do my walk of the course (on Sunday) as normal. I am hoping the ground does dry up in time for Might Bite on Friday.

“He is in great form and I couldn’t be happier with him.”