Bobs Worth lands Gold Cup

Nicky Henderson's charge looked in trouble before the turn, having been slightly hampered by the fall of Silviniaco Conti three from home.

The front-running Long Run and Sir Des Champs battled it out entering the straight although the later was a bit slow at the second last.

Bobs Worth started to motor and took over from Long Run going to the final fence. He galloped on strongly on the run-in to post a seven-length success.

Sir Des Champs (4/1) rallied to claim the runner-up spot, two-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of Long Run (7/2).

“I'd love to be happier. All we can all think about is John Thomas McNamara. I hope and pray to god that John Thomas is okay,” said an emotional Geraghty on Channel 4.

Geraghty has a long association with the winner having bought him as a yearling and said:- “It's brilliant. He's a gorgeous horse. He has a great attitude as he never travelled and struggled on the ground but kept fighting.

“I was hunting and flapping and waiting for him to catch his wind. I knew jumping three out I had five or six lengths to find but thought I had a good chance.

“I knew turning in I had every chance and jumping two out thought I should win. He's as game as a lion and loves the job.”

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sir Des Champs, said he felt that the rain-softened going had counted against his charge.

"He didn't appear to travel throughout - Tony was always niggling at him," said Mullins.

"I'd have preferred it if it hadn't rained. I'd like to bring him back for a better-ground Festival."