The 2003 World Grand Champion and Multi-World Champion The Whole Nine Yards, passed away on January 19, 2017. The beautiful chestnut stallion was owned by The Group of 9.

Sired by Gen’s Armed And Dangerous and out of Cash’s Blossom, Nine was foaled on March 29,1998 at the stable of Larry Wheelon. This beautiful and charismatic chestnut flax mane and tail stud colt was destined to put his mark on the industry. His mild manner and playful ways made him an instant hit with anyone he encountered. 

Nine was purchased as a yearling by Bob and Luanne Sigman and began his successful show ring career under the direction of Brent Colburn. Known for his easy-going personality and natural walking talent, Nine continued his career under the direction of Greg Lute, and it was his crowd pleasing performance at the 2001 Celebration as a three-year-old that made people sit up and take notice. In January of 2002 the Sigmans and Lute made the decision to continue Nine’s training under the direction of multi–World Champion trainer Bill Bobo. 

This new team made their debut performance at the 2002 National Trainers’ Show and walked away with the blue in the four-year-old class, leaving a lasting impression on all that were in attendance. This team remained undefeated for the rest of their show career. They went on that season to capture blues at the Fun Show, Pulaski and earned the title of Four-Year-Old Stallion World Champion and Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion.  

In 2003 they began the campaign once again at the Trainers’ Show walking their way to the championship winner’s circle amid a standing ovation. This pair also captured the grand championship title at the prestigious Columbia Spring Jubilee. Having shown a total of seven times together, Bill made the decision not to show Nine until the Celebration, wanting that last Saturday night to be their 9th time in the ring as the vied for the roses. The accumulation of the number 9’s in their life proved to be significant. They wowed the crowd winning the blue in the first division of the Aged Stallion class and wearing the back number “9”, as they had done all season, they came back on the last Saturday night, on their 9th trip in the ring together, to wear the roses and be crowned the 2003 World Grand Champion.
  
Nine began his breeding career at Womack Stables, under the direction of Ricky Womack. The decision was made in 2009, to move Nine to the Bluegrass state and head up the stallion line-up at Spencer Benedict Stables. In 2012, SBS purchased Nine and formed the Group of 9. This group consists of Spencer and Carrie Benedict, Mitzi Butler, Lloyd Cassidy, Bobby Jones, Skip McFarland, Anne Piet, Lisa Teel, and Dr. Brian and Amanda Wright. 

As a sire Nine has produced many champions. Currently having 315 registered foals, Nine’s prodigy includes, WGC Nine Gold, WGC Nine Yard Blitz, WGC Nine Karat Diamond, WC Top Recruit, WC I’m Soul Sister, WC Tiger Blood, WC Forty Niner, WC 9 Yards Of Major Trouble, WC The Ninth Wonder and many other reserve world champions and blue ribbon winners.

 Nine will be missed by all those that loved and cared for him. He will be remembered as having a big heart, a bigger personality and one of the most beautiful Tennessee Walking Horses. Rest high on that mountain my friend.