Bob Worth's Inimitable Racing Career - 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup

A rare record graced Bob's Worth's glistering racing career after winning the coveted Gold Cup 2013 title. The unassailable champion became the very first racing star to bag a consecutive string of three Cheltenham wins since the unbeatable Flyingbolt in the 1960s. It was such a thrilling moment - as the crowds roared their deafening cheers, and as the trailblazer gained momentum to pass Sir Des Champs and Long Run close to the final fence, with adequate tenacity still left to outdistance the two rivals by 7 lengths. Just as the proud rider remarked, the winner proved to be such a truly brave and professional horse - an outstanding gelding of unparalleled repute.

It was an immensely happy moment for trainer Nicky Henderson as his horse came out as the overall best in a widely viewed Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, with an equally successful stablemate Long Run emerging third. The internationally revered trainer praised Barry Geraghty for having patiently but skillfully ridden the star-studded victor to such a breathtaking finish.

The decisive performance was however a near miracle, according to a tearfully delighted Geraghty who confessed to have sensed a possible decline in his mount mid-way round the course. In fact, much of the victory was attributable to his skillful ride as the winner tired in the closing stages, the rider said, amid cheers from thousands of congratulating fans.

Held on 15 March 2013, this was the 85th annual running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Just as the name already tellingly suggests, the electrifying event was held at Cheltenham Racecourse, an enduring tradition that has continued for numerous years ever since the decade-old yearly function's first staging. It featured a total of nine horses - out of whom the 11/4 favorite Bob's Worth emerged overall winner. The second and the third places were grabbed by Sir Des Champs and Long Run (also trained by Henderson) respectively. The outstanding race was broadcast on channel 4 throughout UK and Ireland.

Foaled on 21st May in 2005, the Irish-bred but British-trained racehorse is now considered to be among the most gifted thoroughbreds in the entire annals of English national Hunt racing. Having also emerged top in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle in 2011, the newly crowned champion is an indisputably formidable figure throughout Europe and beyond. Additionally, the gallant star outdid several other equally endowed runners to attain gold in the RSA Chase in 2012, thus making him the first-ever horse since Flyingbolt in the 1960s to clinch three different races of intercontinental interest . He bagged the globally famed Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury within the same racing period. Although he was painstakingly trained by the now-doubly-happy Nicky Henderson, Bob's Worth still remains under the proud ownership of the Not Afraid Partnership.

The legendary winner begun his racing career during the 2009/10 National Hunt season. Participating in two notable meeting, he grabbed the top position in one while emerging second in the other, both at Kempton Park. He followed this up with a deserved victory at Cheltenham. Ridden by this very capably seasoned jockey - Barry Geraghty - the naturally lucky horse went ahead to win a two and a half mile hurdle at Cheltenham, at the same venue where he made history on 15th March, 2013.

The intensely admired 11/4 favorite entered the Cheltenham Gold Cup steeplechase. According to some respected commentators and racing pundits, Bob's Worth appeared quite unlikely to win since he was hampered at the third fence - still an estimated 8 lengths behind Long Run. However, he jumped well and Geraghty outstayed Sir Des Champs by 7 lengths to earn a third consecutive Cheltenham title.

A bay gelding bred and nurtured by Mrs. L Eadie, Bob's Worth's dam was dubbed Fashionista - a daughter of George VI favourite champion King's Theatre. The internationally recognized champ is also closely related to Burton Port and Bob Back - both spectacularly talented horses in various top races such as Epsom Derby and Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Again, the 2013 title winner is also a close relative of Roberto - the extensively remembered earner of the 1972 Epsom Derby championships. 

Unlike other horses that regress after such highs, Bob's Worth has continued to post noteable results after his 2015 Cheltenham breathtaking feat. For instance, the timeless hero struck a rare seasonal debut in the Betfair Chase - held at Haydock Park Racecourse in November, the same year. Starting as a 15/8 favorite in a particularly tough contest featuring longstanding luminaries such as Silviniaco Conti, Tidal Bay, and Long Run. However, the already world-lauded star was not in his best form. 

Consequently, Geraghty eased him down and eventually finishing sixth. In this race Bob's Worth was 40 lengths behind Cue Card - the title-clinching horse.

Bob's Worth remained competitive throughout the 2015/16 racing season. Specifically, the sensational runner enjoyed a successful start in the Betfred Hurdle on 7th November 2015, effectively reestablishing his diminished standings after being made the outsider of the 5 runner field. This laudable achievement was Bob's first participation in a hurdles meet after a show-stopping victory at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival. What's even more enthralling is the fact that the brave sporting idol remained unbeaten until he came third during the World Hurdle at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival.