Henderson’s Heroes is a beautifully illustrated book written in part by the champion trainer, Nicky Henderson, and celebrating the long and spectacularly successful career of one of the great jumps trainers through the prism of the 2012-13 season. Horses trained by Henderson won a stream of major races that saw him crowned champion trainer for the first time in 26 years. His early life and career is recounted in an introductory chapter. The champion trainer then takes us through the season as it happened, with photographs, articles, linking pieces and captions. Inevitably the book is dominated (but not exclusively so) by the quartet of brilliant horses he * Sprinter Sacre, the superstar who won five races from five outings in 2012-13 including the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Melling Chase at Aintree and Champion Chase at Punchestown and has been widely acclaimed as the best steeplechaser since Arkle; Bobsworth, the no-nonsense young chaser who ran just twice in the season, but in those two outings captured two of the sport’s glittering prizes, the Hennessy Gold Cup and Cheltenham Gold Cup; Long Run, who had already won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase for Henderson in previous years, and now achieved a hard-fought second win in the King George; and Simonsig, the popular grey who went through the season unbeaten, his finest moment coming in the Racing Post Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. And for good measure, in 2013 Henderson even had winners at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood! Packed with fascinating insights into Henderson’s training methods and mining the unique reporting and photographic resources of the Racing Post, Henderson’s Heroes is a wonderful record of his ‘annus mirabilis’.
**Henderson's Heroes: Relive an Unbelievable Season with Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson** Step into the winner's enclosure with *Henderson's Heroes*, a captivating hardcover that chronicles the extraordinary 2012-2013 season of legendary racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson. This book isn't just a record of victories; it's an intimate journey into the heart of a champion's world, offering unparalleled insights into his training philosophy, his winning strategies, and the special bond he shares with his equine stars. More than just a biography, *Henderson's Heroes* offers a season-long narrative of Henderson's triumphant return to the summit of British racing after 26 years. Henderson himself guides the reader through the pivotal moments, sharing his perspective on each race and the challenges overcome. The 2012-2013 season was particularly remarkable for Henderson, highlighted by the extraordinary performances of four exceptional horses: * **Sprinter Sacre:** Relive the electrifying performances of this steeplechasing sensation, hailed by many as the best since Arkle. Experience his five consecutive victories, including the prestigious Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, Melling Chase at Aintree, and Champion Chase at Punchestown. The book delves into what made Sprinter Sacre such a dominant force. * **Bobs Worth:** Witness the rise of this no-nonsense chaser, who captured two of the sport's most coveted prizes in just two outings: the Hennessy Gold Cup and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Henderson details the training regime that prepared Bobs Worth for these monumental victories, and the characteristics that made him a great. * **Long Run:** Celebrate the enduring brilliance of Long Run, a seasoned champion who added another King George VI Chase to his already impressive resume, having previously conquered the Cheltenham Gold Cup under Henderson's tutelage. Understand the training adjustments made to keep Long Run at the peak of his performance. * **Simonsig:** Follow the unbeaten streak of this popular grey horse, culminating in his unforgettable triumph in the Racing Post Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Learn how Henderson nurtured Simonsig's talent and guided him to victory. But *Henderson's Heroes* is not just about these four stars. It captures the wider scope of Henderson's success, extending even to flat racing with winners at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood. This comprehensive account showcases the breadth of Henderson's skill and the dedication of his entire team. Packed with stunning photography from the Racing Post's archives and insightful commentary from Henderson himself, this book offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a champion trainer. It's a must-read for racing enthusiasts, horse lovers, and anyone who appreciates the dedication and passion required to reach the pinnacle of success. Discover the secrets to Henderson's success, from his meticulous training methods to his deep understanding of equine psychology. *Henderson's Heroes* is a fitting tribute to an "annus mirabilis" and a testament to the enduring legacy of Nicky Henderson. Published in 2013 by Raceform Ltd, this 192-page hardcover edition is a collector's item for any racing fan.