Many racing fans will have fond memories of the great Bobs Worth. Trained by Nicky Henderson, he had a wonderful career that included several Grade 1 victories over a glorious six-year stint on the track.
What made him so special though was his ability to turn up on the biggest occasions, notably the Cheltenham Festival.
He first appeared at the Festival ten years ago as he cruised to victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle as a six-year-old.
The following year, he turned in a wonderful performance, drawing away from his rivals when winning the RSA Chase. That victory cemented his position as one of the brightest young staying chasers around.
Finally, in 2013 he was to land the largest prize of them all, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. In a highly competitive race, the then eight-year-old went off as the well-deserved favourite. Under the mindful guidance of Barry Geraghty, he produced one of his very best performances as he blew the field apart to win by 7 lengths. It was a performance that forever endeared him to the Cheltenham faithful.
He went on to run in the Gold Cup in 2014 and 2015 but came up short on both occasions. However, in 2016, as an 11-year-old he was to have one last hurrah at Prestbury Park. Having returned to hurdling following disappointment in the 2015 Gold Cup, he produced a brilliant outing in the 2016 World Hurdle (now the Stayers Hurdle) to finish 3rd at odds of 33/1.
Now a sprightly 16-year-old, Bobs Worth has been residing with Tracy and Charlie Vigors at the Marlborough based Hillwood Stud. Judging by the images below he’s been getting plenty of sleep and heaps of love and care!
Tracy reports that Bobs Worth has been thoroughly enjoying his retirement despite the fact that his two best buddies have just returned to school, “Bob is very sad the boys are back at school this week, but he has thoroughly enjoyed having them home!
He has been hacking out daily during lockdown and helping to get our son Harry’s racing pony fit by doing lots of canter work alongside him”.
Tracy goes on to say “He goes out daily in the paddock with Harry’s racing pony Billy and is the sweetest horse to others. He never has a bad day! Always happy to see you, ears pricked! We love him dearly.”
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