http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/25/sprinter-sacre-bobs-worth-nicky-henderson-next-season Why on earth are they going to keep these two going?! They are both clearly not the horses they once were (admittedly sprinter clearly retains ability, just not all of it) and surely they have done enough in their careers now to get a well earned retirement?
Because they are trained by a right twat who is only interested in the money that they could earn him
It's sad to see, as neither horses heart looks in it. What more do they expect from either horse really? The bookmakers must be rubbing their hands together, seeing as both horses have still attracted punters money whilst obviously being busted flushes for the last 12 months.
Sprinter Sacre is a 9 year old who's finished runner up twice in Grade 1 chases this season. Just because he isn't as good as he was I see no reason why they shouldn't keep running him. Denman was never the same horse after his heart problem, but he still had some good performances in his later years. Agree that Bobs Worth should probably be retired, as he's older and isn't really competitive
Both where easy to back yesterday. Bobs Worth was a double figure price, whilst Sprinter Sacre was 3rd favourite yet finished 2nd. So Sprinter in theory out ran his odds, as punters money predicted he'd be 3rd. So I don't think there was any evidence of masses of punters backing them both blindly, and playing into bookmakers hands. Most punters are wiser than that
What’s it got to do with Mr Henderson as to whether or not a horse, in his barn, stays in training?!? Ultimately, nothing. The decision rests solely with the owner. Mr Henderson can only advise and in the case of Sprinter Sacre I guess the vet and the heart specialists have a far greater input than the forum’s favourite trainer as to whether, or not, he stays at Seven Barrows. As Shergar has said Sprinter has finished 2nd in a pair of Grade 1’s this term! That’s hardly, in my view, a reason to retire a horse. As for Bob’s Worth do you not think perhaps there is a long term plan re this one? He ran off 159 at the weekend. This perch will probably be lowered even further now. Looks handily weighted for next years Grand National now, doesn’t he?!? Especially when he considered he was once rated 180. As to the vernacular used to describe Mr Henderson I must say I’m Shocked with a capital ‘S’ and have had to spend the past half an hour led down in the sick bay as a result!
Are you implying Nicky hasn't being running Bob's Worth on his merits then Barney? Horse looks to have lost his interest in racing and I can't ever see him winning again let alone win a Grand National. Unless he starts injecting them once more!
Now then, STH, no need for silliness. Look at what the yard did with Long Run prior to the release of the weights for the 2014 GN. They ran the old boy on his merits, to say otherwise of Mr Henderson is scandalous as he’s the most honest man in racing, but what they did do was pitch him in heats that, at that stage in his career, he was unlikely to excel in (Charlie Hall, Betfair and King George VI). And if you don’t excel in them then your handicap rating comes down! I think they are / will do the same with Bob’s Worth. Long Run went in the space of a few months from 171 to 160 by doing this and it looks like something similar is going on with Bobby. Well that’s my view anyway.
Even if they could get Bobs Worth back in form, I struggle to see him being a Grand National contender. As he's such a small horse for a chaser, and those fences would prove to big a test for him
Wasting there time though I think. Bobs Worth is never going to be competitive in a National. Horse has lost his interest for it, let him enjoy his years in a nice green field now he's earned it.
To be fair he got 3 good years out of Bobs Worth, with 3 wins at the festival. He was unlucky to only get the 2 out of Sprinter due to his heart problem. I still think Sprinter can win a G1 next season, even if he won't ever get anywhere near his brilliant best. The form he has run to this season suggests he's still competitive
Bob has an excellent record. 10 wins and 3 placings from 18 runs. Time to let him relax now instead of lugging a man around jumping fences he doesn't want to jump no more. Alternatively he could be sent to Willie and win a few more G1's
Was able to beat horses on the snaff in his peak Shergs, finds nowt off it and won't beat much on the bridle now I'm afraid. I'd be tempted to open a betfair account just to lay the absolute bollocks off it next season and book myself a nice holiday as he won't be winning again. NAP
If you where going to take that opinion Beefy then your a few races to late. By the fact he was available at 6/1 Saturday morning is proof that backers aren't going to get their fingers burnt at short odds on him again. They now judge his ability based on his recent runs. Get on to Betfair and lay away, but you'll be betting at long odds on for your money, as he's not going be a short price again. You'll be a brave man if your going to lay him at bigger prices. I know I rarely lay anything at 5/1 or bigger
Was backed from 6s to 4s on course on Saturday Shergs so seemingly plenty of punters aren't as prudent as your good self! There'll still be plenty of sentimental/mug money going on him next season I can assure you of that, he'll always be underpriced. A layers dream
I'd be tempted to open a Betfair account if connections aim Bobs Worth at the Grand National next season. I know the fences are easier now than they once were but BW really struggled to get over the Sandown obstacles on Saturday. He didn't make mistakes but it just seemed such an effort for the ol boy to get from one side to the other. His performance at Sandown reminded me of a grand little handicapper Stormez. He was so small he almost stopped at each fence clamboured over somehow and still managed to win his share of races. BW has got no chance at Aintree. He's been a grand horse but he's got nothing left to give. Sprinter is slightly different in that he's still competitive to a degree. Sad though when only a short while ago nothing was competitive with him. So I agree with Brough, retirement for both best option IMHO.
Bobs Worth had some mighty tough races - winning 3 x Cheltenham Grade 1s and a Hennessey. For a small horse, his decline does not surprise me. Sprinter Sacre is a strange one. He travels fine between fences but the biggest loss for me is his jumping. He is very careful and deliberate these days. He used to take lengths out of people but he doesn't any more.
Some really good points raised above re Bobs Worth and yes he does deserve an honourable retirement. But just ponder this, pilgrims. Bobs Worth in a Grand National, with a million pounds in prizemoney, off a perch in the low 150’s primed to perfection by Mr Henderson’s brilliant brain and ‘magic hands’. If you were the owner would you be tempted?!? Would you, I say, would you?!? I really do struggle to say off such an impost he’d have no chance. Meanwhile, Beefy did the steward forget to put the tonic in your late evening GnT?!? Longevity is Mr Henderson’s middle name! In recent years the likes of the above mentioned Bobby, Long Run, Binocular, Riverside Theatre, Oscar Whisky, Rajdhani Express, Grandouet and Finians Rainbow have done it for him season, after season, after season. The yard that I’ve always thought has struggled re longevity has been the Pipe’s.
