Bobs proves his worth at Newbury

Bobs Worth showed his class with a convincing victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Last season’s RSA Chase hero was giving trainer Nicky Henderson his second success in the race and jockey Barry Geraghty his first.

Leading at the final fence in an incident-packed race, the 4-1 shot strode away to score from Tidal Bay, with gallant Irish raider First Lieutenant third and The Package fourth.

Fruity O'Rooney made the early running from Soll and Diamond Harry to set a strong pace in what is always a competitive staying handicap chase.

Saint Are came down at the fourth while Alfie Spinner, Roberto Goldback and Diamond Harry were also among the casualties.

At the business end of the race, it was First Lieutenant who was in front with four left to jump as Bobs Worth made stealthy progress to get into contention.

He had First Lieutenant cooked at the final fence before the enigmatic Tidal Bay put in a late bid, but the favourite kept on strongly to score by three and a quarter lengths.

First Lieutenant was five lengths back in third.