Worth was bred in Kentucky by R.H. McCarter Porter.He was sired by Knight of the Thistle, a stakes-winning stallion who was imported to the United States (New Jersey) in 1899.

[2] During his racing career, Knight of the Thistle won the inaugural 1843 Royal Hunt Cup, Great Jubilee Handicap, and Limekiln Stakes.

Dangerous was trained by Carroll Shilling, the jockey that rode Worth in his Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by jockey C. H. Shilling, the favored frontrunner Worth held off longshot Duval to win by a neck margin.

[7] [8] Worth was euthanized shortly after this incident due to blood poisoning from his extensive injuries.