Latest from Horse & Hound in Big-bucks

Chilli Morning and Big Buck’s head equine heroes parading at Blenheim

Lucy Elder — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:05:59 +0000

Equine sporting stars will parade in Blenheim’s main Marlborough Arena ahead of the final CCI3* showjumping.

Badminton winner Chilli Morning heads the list of 16 Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB (GB)) stallions who will parade in front of the stands at 11.15am on the last day of the SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials (Sunday, 16 September).

He will be joined by his son Party Trick, as well as Welton Double Cracker, Sir Shutterfly, Timolin, Future Gravitas, and Britannia’s Mail, whose dam was the triple CCI4*-winning mare Headley Britannia.

The stallions will be followed by the traditional parade of hounds from the Heythrop, Four Shires Bloodhounds and Royal Agricultural College Beagles.

Cheltenham hero Big Buck’s tops the line-up in the lunchtime Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade.

The French-bred gelding, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, won the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival four times and bagged £1.3 million in prize money during his glittering career.

He will be joined by The Queen’s Barbers Shop, who achieved considerable success during his time in training and in his post-racing showing career, winning the supreme championship at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2017.

Also on parade at 1pm are Annacotty, Dodging Bullets, Times Up, Wild West and Zarkandar.

Article continues below…

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“It is a privilege for RoR to be invited to parade in the main arena at Blenheim Palace Horse Trials,”said RoR chief executive Di Arbuthnot.

“The occasion provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the versatility of the thoroughbred and the range of careers open to racehorses when they retire from racing.

“The parade line-up includes several horses who will be familiar to the racing public due to their exploits on the track and others who may have less distinguished racing credentials but who are now excelling in a different equine discipline.

“What they all have in common is that they are enjoying a fulfilling second career after racing, which is the core aim of the charity.

“Whatever their ability as a racehorse, our role is to protect and promote their welfare, so every racehorse can enjoy a new life after racing.”

The SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials in Oxfordshire runs from 13 to 16 September and features a CCI3* as well as the CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-old horses.

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See Big Buck’s, Denman and Long Run up close: stellar line-up for Cheltenham parade

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 17:11:03 +0000

National Hunt heroes Big Buck’s, Denman and Long Run are among the equine stars that will be parading at the Cheltenham Festival on the opening day (Tuesday, 14 March).

This year’s Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade — sponsored by the Peter O’Sullevan Trust — will include eight former Festival winners and showcases the variety of opportunities available to racehorses once they retire from their career on the track.

Joining the racing legends will also be Balthazar King and The Giant Bolster. The latter is ridden by H&H blogger Lucy Bridgwater — wife of The Giant Bolster’s former trainer David. The 12-year-old (pictured, below with Lucy) made the frame in three consecutive runnings of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and was retired at the end of 2016.

Three months into his retraining, the gelding is already showing promise.

“The prospect of being in the RoR parade at the Festival is both exciting and a little nerve-racking,” said Lucy. “As is often the way when retraining a racehorse, there are good days and bad days. One day I was so thrilled with ‘Sammy’, he was really listening and was consistently cantering 20-metre circles on each rein but the next day he spent the whole time squealing and bucking and not listening.

“Recently, we did our first RoR dressage clinic and he was really good, he tried so hard. On the way home, I have to admit, I felt quite choked up. Sammy gave so much to all of us during his racing career and he is still being a star now — he really is the horse that keeps on giving. I think he knows how loved he is.”

The Giant Bolster with Lucy Bridgwater - 24-02-17. Photo by Gavin James. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Having bounced back from a potentially life-threatening injury, Balthazar King — winner of the 2014 Cross Country Chase — will also be lining up for the parade. The gelding fractured four ribs and punctured a lung in a fall during the Grand National (11 April 2015), but made a miraculous comeback to the racecourse before being retired last year.

He has since enjoyed hunting with Izzi Beckett, wife of trainer Ralph.

“Balthazar King has adapted really well to his new life and new routine. He has hunted mainly with the Tedworth Hunt, as well as neighbouring packs, and he has taken to it like a natural. He loves watching hounds work and he has impeccable manners. Needless to say his jumping is outstanding,” said Izzi.

“Hunting will be his number one job from now on, however, the plan is to try our hand at some RoR show classes this spring and summer.”

Read the full list of ex-racehorses on parade below:

BALTHAZAR KING (Hunting) – ridden by Izzi Beckett

13-year-old by King’s Theatre, formerly trained by Philip Hobbs

BEWARE CHALK PIT (Showing) – ridden by Rebecca Court

13-year-old by Anshan, formerly trained by Jonathan Geake

BIG BUCK’S (Hunting) – ridden by Lucy Tucker

14-year-old by Cadoudal, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls

DENMAN (Team Chasing/Hunting) – led up by Charlotte Alexander

17-year-old by Presenting, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls

FINIAN’S RAINBOW (Hunting) – ridden by Becky Blandford

14-year-old by Tiraaz, formerly trained by Nicky Henderson

FORPADYDEPLASTERER (Showing and Hunting) – ridden by Joanne Quirke

15-year-old by Moscow Society, formerly trained by Thomas Cooper

LONG RUN (Hacking and Hunting) – ridden by Becky Young

12-year-old by Cadoudal, formerly trained by Nicky Henderson

MIDNIGHT CHASE (Hunting and Eventing) – ridden by Sally Hayward

15-year-old by Midnight Legend, formerly trained by Neil Mulholland

PENZANCE (Dressage and Hunter trialling) – ridden by Alex Evans

16-year-old by Pennecamp, formerly trained by Alan King

PUNJABI (Dressage and Hunting) – ridden by Rachael Kempster

14-year-old by Komaite, formerly trained by Nicky Henderson and David Pipe

RUBI LIGHT (Showing) – ridden by Kirsteen Reid

12-year-old by Network, formerly trained by Robbie Hennessy

THE GIANT BOLSTER (Dressage) – ridden by Lucy Bridgwater

12-year-old by Black Sam Bellamy, formerly trained by David Bridgwater

The Cheltenham Festival runs from 14-17 March. Read Horse & Hound’s full report from the Festival in the 23 March issue of the magazine, plus read daily round-ups online.

Racing heroes parade in front of a packed crowd at Cheltenham

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:55:08 +0000

Past heroes of the racetrack returned to Cheltenham yesterday (Tuesday 10 March) to parade for fans on the first day of the 2015 Cheltenham Festival.

Gold Cup winners Denman (pictured below) and Kauto Star (pictured top) were joined by four-time World Hurdle winner Big Buck’s, who is now enjoying a second career hunting, as well as Blazing Bailey, Comply Or Die and Jack The Giant.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Charlotte Alexander, who has been hunting and team chasing Denman since he retired from Paul Nicholls yard in 2011, was delighted to take the 14-year-old to the place of his greatest victory — the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“Denman loves being back at Cheltenham,” she told H&H. “There is nothing like the atmosphere of the Festival. He was keen!

“It was lovely for him to see his old stablemates Kauto Star and Big Buck’s again too.”

She added: “It was great to see his relation Polly Peachum [who is out of Denman’s full sister, Miss Denman] running so well in the mares’ race as well.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The ex-racehorses paraded in the paddock at 12.30pm, before galloping in front of the stands before the first race.

Kauto Star (pictured below) was also on show under event rider Laura Collett, who tweeted: “What an epic day at the Cheltenham Festival. I’m such a lucky girl to canter Kauto Star in front of the stands.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Big Buck’s (pictured below) was recently taken on by Lucy Tucker, after he retired following last year’s World Hurdle. The gelding is settling into hunting well, and in December returned to Ditcheat with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale with former stablemate Denman.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades were introduced in 2008 by the charity to showcase the adaptability of racehorses when retrained for a second career. They are now an established part of the major jump racing festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree, as well as featuring at British Champions Day at Ascot in October.

“To have Gold Cup, Grand National and World Hurdle winners in the parade is fantastic and it was great for the Cheltenham racegoers to see so many old favourites,” said Di Arbuthnot of RoR.

Grand National hero Comply Or Die is now showing off his skills in dressage, Jack The Giant is a showing star — having won at Hickstead last summer — while popular grey Grands Crus has turned his hoof to showjumping.

Also strutting their stuff in the sunshine in the Gloucestershire parade ring were Sentry Duty, an ex-Nicky Henderson-trained Flat horse who is now hunting and Miko De Beauchene, winner of the 2007 Welsh National who now hunts with the North Cotswold, Ortolan, the joint RoR elite eventing champion ridden by Polly Stockton.

Denman and Kauto Star among former stars to parade at Cheltenham Festival

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:55:53 +0000

Past Gold Cup winners Denman and Kauto Star will be among a group of popular ex-racehorses parading for fans at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday (10 March).

They will be joined at the Gloucestershire track by four-time World Hurdle winner Big Buck’s, who is now enjoying a second career hunting, as well as Blazing Bailey, Comply Or Die and Jack The Giant.

Big Buck’s was recently taken on by Lucy Tucker, after he retired following last year’s World Hurdle. The gelding is settling into hunting well, and in December delighted fans when he returned to Ditcheat with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale with former stablemate Denman.

Denman paraded at Newbury racecourse last month (pictured) ahead of the race named in his honour, the Denman Chase.

His rider Charlotte Alexander told H&H she is pleased to be bringing the gelding back to Cheltenham and the site of his most famous victory — the 2008 Gold Cup.

“I’m very much looking forward to parading Denman at Cheltenham, and in particular breezing in front of the packed stands after the runners have gone down for the first race,” she said.

“Denman is feeling rather well at the moment so it will be rather an exciting gallop.

“It will be lovely for him to see his old stablemates Kauto Star and Big Buck’s again.”

“To have Gold Cup, Grand National and World Hurdle winners in the parade is fantastic and it will be great for the Cheltenham racegoers to see so many old favourites,” said Di Arbuthnot of RoR.

“However, just as important from the charity’s perspective are those horses that have channelled their talents into a whole new discipline.”

Grand National hero Comply Or Die is now showing off his skills in dressage, Jack The Giant is a showing star — having won at Hickstead last summer — while popular grey Grands Crus has turned his hoof to showjumping.

Joining them is Sentry Duty, an ex-Nicky Henderson-trained Flat horse who is now hunting and Miko De Beauchene, winner of the 2007 Welsh National who now hunts with the North Cotswold.

“Also parading will be Ortolan, a horse less-well known to racegoers, but the joint RoR elite eventing champion ridden by Polly Stockton,” added Di.

“For RoR to have the opportunity to parade horses at events such as the Cheltenham Festival is a real privilege and forms an important part of our strategy to increase awareness of the work the charity does facilitating the retraining of racehorses.”

Rosie Fry’s eventing blog: Hunting with legends

Rosie Fry — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:27:04 +0000

Happy New Year! Well here we are in 2015 and we are heading at speed towards the new eventing season. It feels like only yesterday I was doing my last event at Aldon. How time flies!

The past few weeks of the Christmas/New Year period have gone by in quite a blur with plenty of hunting, racing and partying to keep us busy.

In my last blog I was just off to watch Rock On Ruby, trained by my brother Harry, run at Cheltenham and, well, what an absolute star he is. He won that day then went back there on New Year’s Day and won again with Noel Fehily on board each time.

The horse is so tough and a real credit to Harry, Ciara and the whole team. It was obviously very fitting and special that Harry and Ciara’s baby, Ruby, was there both times to watch him.

Hunting in Ireland

I also managed to squeeze in a fantastic weekend away in Ireland with my brothers, George and Jamie, just before Christmas.

We went over for a day’s hunting with the Kilkenny Foxhounds, very kindly organised by Neil Walsh. I had a great little cob called George to look after me and thankfully he knew what he was doing…some of the drains we jumped were fairly hairy and large! It wouldn’t be hunting for the faint hearted that’s for sure!

I have been over to Ireland to hunt before, but it was great to go over again and get some more Irish experience.

We were also really spoilt to have a tour round Ballylinch Stud, home to some very well known racing stallions. Most notably, Lope De Vega, a flat stallion and Beat Hollow, a dual-purpose stallion who, the six times Cheltenham festival winner, Quevega, is in foal to.

Continued below…

Read another of Rosie’s blogs

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rosie Fry’s eventing blog: ending the season on a high

Our eventing blogger has a successful last run and looks forward to a busy winter of racing and hunting

Big Buck’s and Denman

The Monday after we returned from Ireland we were back out hunting with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale jumping over what we are used to — hedges!

It was a very special day because we were very privileged to have two legends of National Hunt racing — Big Buck’s and Denman — out with us, As the meet was hosted by their former trainer, Paul Nicholls, it was all very fitting. They looked absolutely magnificent and seem to be really enjoying their new lives, which was just fantastic to see.

My eventers are all well and we will be off to our first competition of 2015 this week: some British Showjumping at West Wilts.

With the next couple of weeks filling up with dressage, showjumping competitions and the usual training regime, I’m really excited to kick things off!

Fingers crossed this year is a good one and I’m really looking forward to sharing the highs and lows with you all once again.

Rosie

Denman and Big Buck’s take to the hunting field together

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 15:55:51 +0000

Former stable-mates Denman and Big Buck’s were reunited on the hunting field yesterday (Monday 22 December).

The pair — who were formerly trained in Ditcheat by Paul Nicholls — were back in Somerset having a day with Blackmore and Sparkford Vale.

And the eight-times champion trainer was delighted with the turnout of his two former star charges.

“They are having the time of their lives and looking very well — how top horses should be in retirement,” Paul told H&H.

Charlotte Alexander, who rides Denman, told H&H she had a “fab day”.

“Blackmore Vale is brilliant — there are lovely people and it is terrific fun for hedgaholics like me and Denman,” she said.

Last week H&H reported how Denman was settling in well to his new career in hunting — and that was clear from his latest outing.

This season the 14-year-old has really got to grips with his new sport and is proving a popular sight on the hunting field, flying over hedges and ditches.

“It was wonderful to see everyone. As I unloaded in Paul Barber’s [Denman’s owner’s] drive I went into the yard and the whole of Team Ditcheat came out to see D and give him a cuddle and have their photos taken with him,” she added.

Last year the winner of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup spent five months in equine hospital after contracting a potentially fatal blood and bone infection. But he has made a remarkable recovery and is now back to his old self.

“Denman was a superstar out hunting and jumped absolutely everything from hedges off the road to water troughs, white tape and a line of hedges with ditches in front,” said a thrilled Charlotte.

“He flew and was as good as any of them. I am so proud of him as he has come a long way. We had a great run straight from the meet over the Barber’s hedges — it was absolutely wonderful!”

Charlotte also praised Big Buck’s, saying he looked “amazing”, crediting new rider Lucy Tucker.

“He stood with hounds impeccably and loved having his photo taken,” said Charlotte.

Lucy told H&H the popular 11-year-old ex-racehorse has settled in well to his new life.

The former hurdling hero — who famously won 18 races in a row — has embarked on a new career tackling different size obstacles this autumn

The gelding — who won the World Hurdle at Cheltenham a record four times — was retired in March.

And Big Buck’s, who was well-known for being a box walker, has settled into life with Lucy very well. She describes him as “very chilled out” and “incredibly sweet”.

“We’re very privileged to have him, he’s an easy horse to do, is extremely well and happy within himself and will be doing lots more hunting all being well in the future,” added Lucy.

H&H hunting editor Polly Portwin was also thrilled by the photos that emerged from the meet.

“It must be such a thrill to ride either of these two horses with their speed, scope and general athleticism, yet alone the pride of riding one of the nation’s favourites,” she said.

“I’m delighted to see these two stars of the National Hunt scene enjoying a happy retirement on the hunting field.”

Lucinda Green rides Big Buck’s [VIDEO]

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 13:55:47 +0000

It’s Lucinda Green’s 61st birthday today – to mark her special day we thought you might enjoy revisiting our exclusive video of the eventing legend riding hurdling star Big Buck’s. Many happy returns to Lucinda from the H&H team!

Six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green was treated to a ride up the gallops on board National Hunt star Big Buck’s as part of Horse & Hound’s exclusive ‘Lucinda Rides’ feature.

Fans of Big Buck’s will be pleased to hear that since he retired in March 2014 he has settled in well to his new life on the hunting field.

Lucinda says: “So we are in the ‘sweet shop’ of National Hunt racing — The Fortnum and Mason’s part of the sweet shop. This is Big Bucks at Ditchett and it’s such a privilege to be here. Kauto Star is behind me, Denman is over there. How could we be so lucky as to be here?

“It’s boring to say that it’s the most amazing privilege, but when you sit on this horse and walk out of the yard, you feel something really, really special. I know talking to Clifford and Donna, head lad and travelling head girl, they were saying the others aren’t always like this. Denman, for instance, doesn’t walk at all.

“Then they said, ‘you won’t think much of the trot’ and sure enough he trotted for just a few paces, and there isn’t a trot there. But they don’t do much trotting, they just walk and canter.

“He set off up the gallops with Kauto Stone, Kauto Star’s half brother. Donna said ‘just stay with me, just do exactly the same as me’ and I thought ‘Oh god, I’m not that strong. I’m sure I’ll never hold him’, but he just kept the most beautiful pace. Never asked to go faster, never asked to go slower, never lazy, never strong. It’s really steep that hill. I’d forgotten how steep it is.

“Then he starts to make this little whistle and I turned to Donna and said: ‘Is that me or is that you?’. She said: ‘No that’s you, you’re fine.’ This horse who has had all these wonderful wins, and this extraordinary burst of power that he produces, and yet all the time he’s making a little whistle. So he defies a lot of experts on that score.

“The other thing that fascinated me was when I walked into his stable I noticed he’s got a very small eye, which normally means not such a generous horse. There is NOTHING ungenerous about this one! It’s a beautiful eye, it’s just small compared to his 17hh height. He’s a big boy, but he’s so balanced and sensitive. I don’t think I can remember riding a racehorse — I haven’t ridden that many — where he started to cut in on one of the corners, because the gallop is quite twisty, so I put my leg on and straight away he straightened up. Valegro look out!

“He gives good credence to the story that it doesn’t matter how a horse trots. His engine is there is walk and it’s really there in gallop — well all we did is canter because the hill is so steep. He’s lovely walking home, just puts his head out and rolls along. I’m surprised how uncomplicated he is. Having read about the box-walking and the goat he left behind in France, I thought he would be quite a highly strung horse to ride, but he feels so chilled.”

Big Buck’s takes to the hunting field

Amy Mathieson — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:55:44 +0000

Big Buck’s new rider Lucy Tucker has told H&H the popular ex-racehorse has settled in well to his new life.

The former hurdling hero is embarking on a different kind of season this autumn as he takes to the hunting field.

The gelding — who won the World Hurdle at Cheltenham a record four times — was retired in March.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, he famously won 18 races in a row and he’s now enjoying trying a second career with Lucy.

“He’s awesome and very easy,” Lucy told H&H. “We took him out for the first time at the end of August but we wanted to keep it very much under the radar. We saw how much attention Denman got going out hunting so we didn’t want to overwhelm him.”

Lucy praised his behaviour.

“He was great and we hope to take him out a couple more times this season, just to see the hounds and learn what it’s all about,” she added.

And Big Buck’s, who was well-known for being a box walker, has settled into life with Lucy very well.

“He’s very sweet and an incredibly nice person,” she added. “He’s been very chilled out and hacks out perfectly.”

She added that the new relationship happened by chance.

“I jokingly said to Georgie [Nicholls, Paul’s wife] that I could do with a new horse. She said I could have him and that was that. Paul said I could just see how it goes.

“He’s almost like a four-year-old [even though he’s 11] as he’s got so much to learn, but he’s very straightforward. He’s obviously sharp, like any thoroughbred, but he’s like Bambi — all spindly legs.

“I feel very privileged. The other day were were cantering and I had little girl moment — ‘I’m on Big Buck’s!’. I’m looking forward to going out hunting again.”

To read more about popular racehorses’ lives after racing don’t miss our “where are they now?” feature in the National Hunt special, out on Thursday 6 November.

Spotted: top equine stars out hunting [PICS]

Sophia Heath — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:05:04 +0000

From time to time you have that moment when you spot someone completely out of context and can’t put a name to their face. It’s that teacher in the supermarket situation.

In an equestrian context, it may have happened to you on the hunting field — but with a horse rather than a rider. Some of our biggest equine heroes — from a double Badminton winner to a four-time Cheltenham World Hurdle winner — have taken to hunting in their retirement.

Equine superstars who’ve hunted in their retirement

1. Lenamore, eventing

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The 21-year-old former eventer has been spotted out autumn hunting with the Warwickshire. “Everyone thought I was completely bonkers, but he was actually very well behaved,” said owner Lexi Jackson. “He loved it!”

2. Denman, racing

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The 2008 Gold Cup winner has had a second lease of life hunting and team chasing under Charlotte Alexander. Denman had a life-threatening blood and bone infection in October 2012, but has since found a new career on the hunting field.

3. Supreme Rock, eventing

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Pippa Funnell’s double Badminton winner was still seen out with the Grafton at the age of 24. A visitor famously once told his owner Emma Pitt that she should “try eventing him”.

4. Big Buck’s, racing

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Andy Stewart’s four-time Cheltenham World Hurdle winner, who retired last season, was out autumn hunting with Lucy Tucker last month.

5. Little Tiger, eventing

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Phoebe Buckley’s 14.3hh Little Tiger spent her life after eventing hunting and team chasing, having been retired at the age of 16. The gutsy mare even came third in the Melton Hunt Ride in 2012.

Don’t miss this week’s special hunting issue of Horse & Hound magazine (23 October 2014), featuring our complete hunt directory, a look at modern and traditional hunting gear and the true cost of keeping a hunter

Never been hunting but would love to have a go? Take a look at our guide for beginners

Have you spotted any famous horses out hunting? Let us know below…

Big Buck’s retires: H&H celebrates his career in pictures

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:07:27 +0000

“He’ll have an honourable retirement,” said trainer Paul Nicholls about popular hurdler Big Buck’s yesterday (Thursday 13 March).

The record-breaking staying hurdler, who has won the World Hurdle a record 4-times, was retired after this year’s race in which he finished 5^th.

“This horse has been a legend and we don’t want him to get hurt or something like that so we are going to end on a good note,” said Paul.

“He is an amazing horse to have been involved in. He will be well looked after and he deserves to retire.”

Paul added he expected the horse would continue to be looked after by his long-time groom Rose Loxton.

On speaking to H&H for the Big Buck’s Stripped Bare feature earlier this month (6 March issue) Paul said he thought the horse could excel in any discipline, except dressage as he has “a moderate trot, to be polite”.

The 11-year-old had been unbeaten in 18 starts before picking up a tendon injury in December 2012. After more than a year off he returned to the track in January to finish 3^rd in the Cleeve Hurdle.

After Nicholls’ announcement, the popular gelding did a couple of laps of the paddock, parading for fans.

Owner Andy Stewart added: “The public reaction has been very flattering. I received 22 Christmas cards, while Big Buck’s received 174, a reflection of why the horse is a lot more important than I am.”

More about Big Buck’s

Six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green was treated to a ride up the gallops on board National Hunt star Big Buck’s as part of Horse & Hound’s exclusive ‘Lucinda Rides’ feature.

Watch our exclusive video

Since his retirement, Big Buck’s has enjoyed being busy in the hunting field, alongside former fellow representative of Paul Nicholls Ditchett racing yard, Denman,

Find out how the pair are getting on

More Of That wins World Hurdle and Big Buck’s is retired

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:45:50 +0000

The Ladbrokes World Hurdle was set to be a showdown between the unbeaten mare Annie Power and the 4-times winner of the race Big Buck’s.

But in the end it was a victory for More Of That on the 3^rd day of the Cheltenham Festival (13 March). It was a battle to the line between the mare Annie Power and More Of That, while Big Buck’s had to settle for 5^th.

Trained by Jonjo O’Neill, More Of That provided owner JP McManus and jockey Barry Geraghty with a 2^nd major win of the Festival, after taking the Champion Hurdle with Jezki on Tuesday (11 March).

More Of That is now unbeaten in 5 races.

“I was always happy with my fellow, and while I could see Ruby [Walsh] coming on the favourite [Annie Power] I was always confident my fellow could find more. When I gave him a squeeze he had more in reserve,” said Geraghty.

“It’s only his 5th run and to have jumped and travelled the way he did was remarkable.”

Annie Power, who had been 10 wins from 10 starts coming into the race, was beaten 1 and a half lengths by More Of That.

The mare, who was running over 3m for the 1^st time, was sent off 11/8 favourite. The pair had a battle to the line, but the 6-year-old couldn’t quite get up.

“I think that she ran to her mark and we were beaten by a better horse,” said trainer Willie Mullins.

AP McCoy, who could have chosen to ride More Of That, finished 3^rd on McManus’ other runner, At Fishers Cross.

Meanwhile the 4-times World Hurdle hero Big Buck’s finished 5^th. He was later retired.

“As far as the race was concerned everything went as I would have liked, I was in the right place at the right time but obviously he is 11 now,” said jockey Sam Twiston-Davies.

“Just when we turned in, he didn’t have the legs. He is back safely and that is the main thing. I am as happy as I have ever been finishing fifth.

Big Buck’s retired

The 11-year-old was retired by connections after the race. Owned by The Stewart Family, Big Buck’s had been on an unbeaten streak of 18 hurdles races before finishing 3^rd in the Cleeve Hurdle in January.

He had been off for more than a year with a tendon injury, which he picked up in December 2012.

Trainer Paul Nicholls announced the horse’s retirement immediately after the race. Big Buck’s then did a parade around the paddock for his fans.

“This horse has been a legend and we don’t want him to get hurt or something like that so we are going to end on a good note,” said Nicholls.

“He will have an honourable retirement. He has been a pleasure to train.”

He added that Rose Loxton, his groom, will probably end up looking after the horse.

Showjumper wins charity race

Showjumper Vicky Laing, who trains with Tim Stockdale, won the St Patrick’s Derby.

Vicky was riding the Ian Williams-trained Gifted Leader and won by 2 and half lengths.

Former Pony Clubber Vicky also events, as well as showjumps up to 1.40m.

“It’s a completely different kettle of fish to eventing and showjumping,” said Vicky. “The speed that you go at the 1 mile 5 furlong trip is a lot different to the four miles around Burghley and obviously there are no jumps.”

The race in aid of Cancer Research UK and it is hoped that this year’s race pushes the total raised for the charity over £1 million.

H&H reader offer: Bet on the Cheltenham Festival with Paddy Power and receive up to £250 in free bets for all new customers!

Big Buck’s v Annie Power, the World Hurdle in pics

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 09:00:04 +0000

The World Hurdle is today’s (Thursday 13 March) feature race at the Cheltenham Festival.

The past few years have been dominated by Big Buck’s — the popular and handsome French gelding.

He’s won 4 out of the past 5 races — last year he was out due to injury and the race was taken by Solwhit. Now aged 11 Big Buck’s is back, can he regain his crown?

He’ll have fierce competition though, namely in the form of unbeaten Irish mare Annie Power.

Check out H&H’s gallery of our favourite past winners and this year’s leading contenders.

The Ladbrokes World Hurdle is run over 3m and will be shown on Channel 4 live at 3.20pm

H&H reader offer: Bet on the Cheltenham Festival with Paddy Power and receive up to £250 in free bets for all new customers!

Week in pictures: 7 March 2014

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:00:01 +0000

Paul Nicholls explains why Sam Twiston-Davies got the ride on Big Buck’s

Horse & Hound — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 17:15:12 +0000

Trainer Paul Nicholls has been speaking about his decision to give the ride on the record-breaking hurdler Big Buck’s to rising star Sam Twiston-Davies — instead of his principle jockey, H&H columnist Daryl Jacob.

Big Buck’s missed most of last year with a tendon injury. He had been favourite to win a fifth consecutive World Hurdle title at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

The 11-year-old horse is unbeaten in 18 races since reverting to hurdling. He was ridden in all bar two of those races by Ruby Walsh. AP McCoy deputised when Ruby was injured. Ruby stepped down as Nicholls’ stable jockey last year, to ride for Willie Mullins in his native Ireland.

Some commentators have seen Paul Nicholls’ decision to give the ride to 21-year-old Sam as a snub.

But in his Betfair column, Nicholls said that Daryl had “never given him the impression that he was mad keen” to ride the horse.

He wrote: “If he had, then he could have been on the horse in the Cleeve Hurdle [where the horse is due to make his comeback on 25 January]. End of story. And with [owner] Andy [Stewart’s] full blessing and agreement.

“There is no need for anyone to feel sorry for Daryl or read anything wider into this decision,” he added.

Nicholls said Daryl viewed the ride almost as a “poisoned chalice”.

“If Big Buck’s won, it was all down to the horse. If he lost, and that phenomenal unbeaten run with it, it was down to him. That is no way to approach any race.”

Nicholls also said that prior to ringing Sam Twiston-Davies he had approached Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy but neither was prepared or able to commit.

Sam tweeted on Saturday (11 January): “Thank you for all the kind messages about Big Buck’s.

“Can’t wait. Could be up a while watching all his winning replays, but will be a pleasure to watch.”

Meet H&H’s latest blogger: Nick Scholfield

Nick Scholfield — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:00:21 +0000

Hi, I’m Nick and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences of the National Hunt season with you.

As a freelance professional jockey, I ride for several trainers, but mainly for Jeremy Scott, Kim Bailey and Paul Nicholls.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

I’m 24, based in Somerset, and have ridden since I was a child. I started off in show ring and went to Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International with Chiddock Over The Limit (picture right) when I was 15.

Some of my fellow jockeys do give me some stick about showing, but it was good experience. Competing at HOYS forces you to handle pressure and riding a lot of different ponies helps to you learn how to gauge a horse’s ability. I also did some showjumping — which taught me to see a stride — but I always wanted to be jockey.

Jump racing is at its quietest at the moment. After September things start to get busier. But I’ve had a couple of winners this week — Moorlands Jack for Jeremy Scott and Joe The Rogue for Paul Henderson — which is a nice boost at this time of year.

Where I ride out depends where racing is on and I’ve been at Jeremy, Paul and Kim’s yards recently. I also rode out for Harry Fry the other day upsides his sister, eventer and fellow H&H blogger, Rosie.

There aren’t really any major targets for me this year — I just hope to stay injury free and hope to get on the right horses on the right days!

It would be nice to get a big festival winner though. Last season was my best yet, finishing 9th in the jockey’s table.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Melodic Rendezvous (pictured above right) is a horse I’m really looking forward to riding this year — he progressed brilliantly throughout the last season and proved himself to be capable in the top races. Plus, I had my first grade one win on him, so that was special.

It was unfortunate that he got a virus, but these things happen and he’s back from it now. I rode him out the other day and he’s come out big and strong after some time off and is looking really good — he has huge potential.

Molly’s A Diva is also one to watch out for. She proved herself to be one of the top mares last year and she’s a tough, gutsy horse.

Some of the trainers have been having their owners’ days recently. It’s always good to have the chance to see find out what plans they have for their horses for the coming year. Plus you get to meet the owners and chat to people, which is harder to do over the winter when everyone is busy.

Paul Nicholls’ had his the other weekend and he has some good, fresh horses to go to war with this season. And it was great to see Big Buck’s, who was off injured last season, he looked really well.

There’s a break in the National Hunt calendar now so we have a bit of time off. I look forward to blogging again soon,

Nick

Big Buck’s and Al Ferof ruled out for rest of the season

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:56:52 +0000

Big Buck’s was to miss Saturday’s race, and the rest of the season — including the Cheltenham Festival, where he was favourite to win what would be his fifth World Hurdle.

Nicholls confirmed that the injury was not “career threatening”.

Big Buck’s was found to have a “tiny tear” in one of his legs, so Paul and owners The Stewart Family, decided to rest the horse, though say it is “too premature” to talk of retirement.

And in a second blow to the top trainer, another stable star, Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Al Ferof was also sidelined for the season.

The John Hales-owned seven-year–old was found to have a similar injury when inspected by a vet. He was due to run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

“I must stress that they are not career-threatening injuries, and maybe we could have evengiven them both a month’s rest, and then kicked on again with them,” Nicholls wrote in his Betfair blog.

“But I have learned down the years to stop and sort the problem immediately in these circumstances.

“They were two separate incidents, and unfortunately these kind of injuries are part and parcel of the game when training supremely fit racehorses.

“With Big Buck’s, Clifford detected a tiny bit of heat on Sunday and that sent the alarm bells ringing. So Buffy [the vet] scanned his near fore tendon on Monday, and that confirmed a tiny bit of damage.”

He added that the horse will now have a month’s box rest, and then be given two-three hours walking daily until being turned out in April.

“Then he will probably come back in on September 1, with a view to running again next Christmas,” he wrote.

“Al Ferof also had some heat in a leg at the weekend and I imagine he knocked himself either schooling or working, and suffered a bit of damage. He will have the same recovery schedule as Big Buck’s, then go to John’s for the summer. Both horses will hopefully then be in a position to run at the Festival in 2014.”

Big Buck’s wins 18th consecutive race

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:45:40 +0000

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.

Life at H&H: Brilliant Big Buck’s and Aintree anticipation

Carol Phillips — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:31:58 +0000

The main topic of conversation in the H&H office this week has been Aintree. While a few lucky H&H staffers headed up to Liverpool on Thursday (see the Horse & Hound facebook page for a photo of H&H news writer Amy Mathieson standing beside The Chair) to see the awesome Big Buck’s collect an incredible 17th victory in a row, those of us left in the office gathered around a couple of computers to watch the race via the BBC Sport website.

Of course the result was never in doubt as the long-distance hurdler cruised round leaving his rivals in his wake when powering up the home straight. There was no last-minute burst of speed from the 16.3hh gelding — there was simply no need to as his cruising pace is so fast and his stamina so deep that those racing against him simply fell away.

A few weeks ago Horse & Hound enjoyed the unique chance to ‘get up close and personal’ with the champion — and his stable companions the great Kauto Star and Denman — when we visited Paul Nicholls’ yard for the latest edition of our exclusive series “Lucinda rides“. You can find out what Lucinda thought of this fabulous horse, and watch a video of them in action via your smartphone, in the current magazine (12 April, 2012).

As you might expect, there has been much debate about who each of us are going to back in the big race on Saturday. The H&H form guide (p28-29) has been pored over at length, although there may be more to choosing your horse based on the jockey’s silks than previously believed! The Grand National is a unique challenge, which rarely fails to produce a great story. After the controversy of last year’s race, I am keeping my fingers crossed this year’s race is great for all the right reasons.

Can Synchronised become the first horse since 1934 to do the Cheltenham Gold Cup-Grand National double? Will Ballabriggs become one of just a handful of horses to win the great race back-to-back? Or will girl power finally triumph with a win for either Nina Carberry or Katie Walsh? And most important of all — who will be buying press-day cakes for everyone on Monday with their winnings?!

Of course, win or lose, our primary hope is that all horses and jockeys will return from the ultimate steeplechase fit and healthy to race another day. Good luck and God speed to you all.

Big Buck’s wins record 17th race in a row at Aintree

Horse & Hound — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:31:34 +0000

Click here for Runners, Tips and Free Bets on the Grand National 2012

Big Buck’s set a new record for the number of consecutive wins by a National Hunt horse today at Aintree.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old gelding cruised round to win the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle very easily and collect his 17th win in a row, one more than 1950s Champion Hurdler Sir Ken.

Big Buck’s was ridden by Ruby Walsh, as he has been in all but two of his 17 victories. They include a record four Ladbrokes World Hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival, and now four renewals of the BGC Liverpool Hurdle.

A delighted Paul Nicholls said: “As long as he stays sound and injury free he can keep on going. I think he looked better today [than at Cheltenham]. It’s all about staying sound and keeping his enthusiasm. He’ll have a holiday now.

“He’s been as enthusiastic and more straight-forward than ever this year.”

In the latest issue of Horse & Hound, Lucinda Green visited Paul Nicholls’ Somerset yard and rode Big Buck’s. Check out our online gallery for more pictures of her day, and pick up a copy of the magazine for our exclusive video.

H&H racing editor’s blog: chilly Cheltenham

Horse & Hound — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:16:56 +0000

Cold. That sums up Cheltenham today. Cold and foggy, to be precise. The sun that burned its way through the gloom yesterday never materialised, or just didn’t try hard enough. I spent most of my time clutching my coat round me and trying to turn the pages of my racecard with gloves on.

But Big Buck’s was awesome. Considering the horse is a total nutter who box walks for Britain and has to be fed first in the yard otherwise he gets really upset, he looked like a seaside donkey today. He plodded round the parade ring – “Yeah yeah, Cheltenham again, don’t worry, it’s in the bag, mate” – serenely won his race, and must be nearly tucked up in his bed at Paul Nicholls’ by now.

The interesting thing is how close the mare Voler La Vedette got to him today. We know Quevega, who won her fourth David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle on Tuesday, is way better than Voler La Vedette. So would Quevega have beaten Big Buck’s? The chances are we will never know. Ruby Walsh rides them both and must be desperate to keep them apart – and Willie Mullins seems happy to take the guaranteed prize-money in the mares’ race, rather than risk a defeat for her. But you’ve got to think she could be the one to topple the champ, if she ever got a chance.

Highest heels: Zara Phillips and Chanelle McCoy. Genuine six-inchers. Why don’t they get stuck in the mud, when I do in a modest three inches?

Biggest smile: Tina Cook after winning the charity race. She loved punching the air when coming into the winner’s enclosure, as well. She joins the podium of H&H columnists/writers to have ridden a Cheltenham winner (Choc Thornton, Marcus Armytage… pretty sure Pammy Hutton hasn’t. Or Stuart Hollings.)

Best clothes: Camilla and Sarah Henderson, Nicky’s daughters.

Best rumour: that one of Nicky Henderson’s stable lads has won a million quid backing his boss’s horses. No idea whether it’s true or not, but I’m not sure he’ll be mucking out in the morning if it is.

Brilliant Big Buck’s wins fourth World Hurdle

Horse & Hound — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:10:33 +0000

Big Buck’s set a gloomy Cheltenham Festival alight by taking a fourth consecutive Ladbrokes World Hurdle for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh.

The odds-on favourite equalled Sir Ken’s record of 16 straight wins in the process and was easily the most popular winner of the week so far.

The Irish mare Voler La Vedette gave the champion a real race for it up the hill, but Big Buck’s held her off and won by a length and three-quarters.

“We needed that – they have been totally out of form apart from the Champion Hurdle [which he won with Rock On Ruby]. For me winning today means more than anything, this was our number one target and the one I wanted this week because he is so special.”

The remarkable French-bred nine-year-old will now head to Aintree to attempt to conqueror Sir Ken’s record, set between 1951 and 1953.

Trainer Nicky Henderson extended his own winning streak, taking a sixth Festival race of the week with Riverside Theatre.

Part-owned by actor Jimmy Nesbitt, Riverside Theatre won a thrilling Ryanair Chase under Barry Geraghty. He beat last year’s winner Albertas Run by half a length, with Medermit a further half-length back in third.

“It’s just extraordinary,” said Nesbitt. “Nothing really prepared me for that. I’m rarely lost for words but I’m very emotional now. This is the greatest sport in the world.”

Willie Mullins and Davy Russell teamed up to take the first race, the Jewson Novices’ Chase, with Sir Des Champs. The much-hyped favourite Peddlers Cross was last of the eight finishers.

North Yorkshire’s Malcolm Jefferson won his first race at the Cheltenham Festival since Dato Star took the Champion Bumper in 1995 when Cape Tribulation took the Pertemps Final at 14-1.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained Sunnyhillboy was a popular winner of the Fulke Walwyn/Kim Muir Chase under top Irish amateur Alan Berry.

And Tom Scudamore and Salut Flo justified favouritism in the Byrne Group Plate with a brave, front-running performance to win by six lengths.

Votes open for Anglo-Irish Horse of the Year award

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:06:39 +0000

Are you in camp Kauto or devoted to Denman? Or maybe you’re an ardent supporter of this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander?

Five contenders — Kauto Star, Denman, Big Buck’s, Binocular and Imperial Commander — are all in the running for the 2010 Anglo-Irish Jump Racing Horse of the Year Award.

And this year for the first time the public can decide the winner.

Voting is now open and the award will be presented at the Anglo-Irish Jump Racing Awards on 24 May.

The shortlist has been drawn up by representatives from Britain and Ireland, including the head of handicapping from both the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Irish Turf Club.

The contenders were chosen based on their official rating, their work in promoting the sport of jump racing, or a combination of the two.

At the awards AP McCoy, Paul Nicholls, JP McManus and Rhys Flint, the season’s champion jockey, trainer, owner and conditional will also be honoured.

Voting will take place via the British Horseracing Authority website at www.britishhorseracing.com/horse-of-the-year/

Votes must be cast by midday on Friday 21 May.

Big Buck’s wins the World Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival

Horse & Hound — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:20:37 +0000

The short-priced favourites for the big races at the Cheltenham Festival hadn’t delivered — until Big Buck’s swept home in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle under Ruby Walsh. The big, handsome dark bay barely had to be shaken up to cruise past his rivals and win Thursday’s centrepiece race by more than three lengths.

After Master Minded’s Champion Chase defeat yesterday, trainer Paul Nicholls will be relieved going into Friday’s Gold Cup showdown between Kauto Star and Denman that at least one of his stable champions did what was expected of them.

This was French-bred Big Buck’s second World Hurdle victory in two years, and he is certainly the supreme staying hurdler of his generation.

“He’s a special horse, isn’t he?” asked Ruby Walsh. “He absolutely bolted in.”

Walsh’s best friend, AP McCoy, had to have stitches in his chin after Jered fell in the first race, the Jewson Novices’ Chase (won by Richard Johnson aboard Philip Hobbs’ Copper Bleu). But the smile was back after the champion jockey gave Alberta’s Run a power-packed, bold ride to take the Grade One Ryanair Chase. Trained by Jonjo O’Neill, Alberta’s Run won the RSA Chase here two years ago. He came home 41/2 lengths in front of the favourite Poquelin, ridden by Ruby Walsh.

Alberta’s Run has top weight in next month’s John Smith’s Grand National, and Jonjo O’Neill indicated that the nine-year-old may well take his chance in the race. Barber’s Shop, owned by The Queen, could only finish seventh.

Nineteen-year-old Hadden Frost, who rode the winner of the first official pony race in Britain, moved his career up a level today with success in the Pertemps Final. He rode Buena Vista, who was running at his sixth consecutive Cheltenham Festival, for David Pipe.

Pipe, who has had a fairly quiet season up to this point, scored again with the grey Great Endeavour in the Byrne Group Plate. Conditional jockey Danny Cook brought home the 18-1 shot to secure himself a first Festival winner.

In the last race, the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase for amateur riders, the Donald McCain-trained Ballabriggs defied top weight to hold off David Pipe’s Faasel.

Stay in touch with all the action from the Cheltenham Festival on Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s full report, on sale Thursday 25 March