Horse Profile: Badsworth Boy

Introduction

An apt name for a tough old horse, Badsworth Boy was a powerful and well-respected British thoroughbred. Having been a popular name in local horse racing circuits, Badsworth Boy went on to claim an incredible Queen Mother Championship Chase hat-trick. This occurred from 1983 until 1985, with three incredible wins that put it as one of the most respected and beloved horses in the country.

Impressively, it all occurred under the tutelage of the one family – the Dickinson family. Michael, Tony and Monica all trained the horse when their chance came along. Indeed, their combined teamwork must have done the job – Badsworth Boy was the 12^th horse of all-time in jumping history to claim more than £100,000 in money earned.

While that sounds paltry today, compared to the times then it was an incredible experience. 

 

Career Summary

Badsworth Boy won eight of its eighteen races on the faces. Known for being electric yet somewhat erratic, it’s rapid jumping style could put BB in a bit of trouble at times. It’s three major career wins, though, are some of the most impressive in QMCC history. It won it’s first by claiming massive victories over the likes of Artifice and Rathgorman, who were all favourites over the hat-trick winner.

In 1984, it’s second, it won with more than tenth lengths to spare over the impressive Little Bay. By 1985, it won the hat-trick of wins by defeating Far Bridge by a similarly dominant margin. Sadly, this was to be the second last win of a brief career, with an 87 Winner’s Circle trip being his last. 

 

Achievements & Highlights

The horse gathered an incredible hat-trick, putting it up there within the pantheon of great horses which are sure to be admired. Sadly, the horse died in 2002 after suffering a heart attack at the age of 27. Long gone now, the horse will always be remembered as a fleeting but important part of horse racing. 

 

Wins – Queen Mother Champion Chase 1983, 1984, 1985.

Associations – The Dickinson Family, Doug Armitage, Maurice Gibson and Ronald Howe.