Kauto Star and Denman may have retired but Paul Nicholls’ yard still has a superstar.
Big Buck’s notched up his 18th consecutive win on Saturday (1 December), taking the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.
The nine-year-old was sent off 1-12 favourite and barely broke a sweat winning by a cool nine lengths under Ruby Walsh.
It was the fourth year running he’s won the race.
Four years ago Big Buck’s unseated Sam Thomas in the Hennessy Gold Cup, prompting the decision by owners, The Stewart Family, to switch him back to hurdles. He has been unbeaten ever since.
Big Buck’s is now being aimed at the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot next month before the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March — which he’s won for the past four years.
“Three-mile hurdling is not the sexiest division, but he’s a bit like Frankel in that he can’t do any more than run in the races for him and beat what’s put in front of him,” said Paul Nicholls.
For report see Thursday’s (6 December) issue of H&H.
