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Haydock problems raise questions backed up by senior jockey comments

Nicky Henderson takes a look at the final fence before the Betfair Chase
Nicky Henderson takes a look at the final fence before the Betfair ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

The most unusual sight at Haydock on Saturday was Nicky Henderson studying the final fence and attempting to measure it by drawing a line from his shoulder while star stayer Might Bite awaited the off of the Betfair Chase.

The Grade 1 showpiece was the only race staged over Haydock's fences that claimed no fallers, although the restructured obstacles are reported to have produced in Might Bite the sort of panic attack he gave his own backers during the closing stages of the 2017 RSA Chase.

BRISTOL DE MAI (Daryl Jacob) wins The Befair Chase at HAYDOCK PARK 24/11/18 Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography
Bristol De Mai en route to winning his second Betfair ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)
We now know the BHA was not fully satisfied with Haydock's portable fences when they were inspected a few days before the meeting.

The course management believes it then did what the BHA asked to be done. It is certainly possible to infer from a quote given by the BHA on Monday that it feels any revisions made by Haydock were at the lower end of what might have been expected.

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