Overview
- Trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed the horse’s death and paid tribute, saying Big Buck’s enjoyed a “brilliant life” and a happy retirement with Mike and Lucy Felton.
- A fall at the final fence in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup prompted Big Buck’s to return from chasing to hurdling, a move Nicholls says unlocked his full ability.
- After the switch he recorded a then-record run of 18 consecutive National Hunt wins and became dominant in long-distance hurdle races.
- His major victories include four Stayers’ Hurdles at Cheltenham, four Liverpool Hurdles and three Long Walk Hurdles, often ridden by Ruby Walsh.
- Owned by the late Andy Stewart, Big Buck’s was a key member of Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat stable during its golden era alongside Kauto Star and others.