Big Buck’s set for comeback: his highlights so far in pictures
All eyes will be on Big Buck’s this weekend as the popular hurdler returns to the racecourse after more than a year off.
Big Buck’s is the 4-6 favourite in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham tomorrow (Saturday 25 January).
Trained by Paul Nicholls, Big Buck’s won a record four World Hurdles , before picking up a leg injury in December 2012.
As the 11-year-old aims to extend his unbeaten streak over hurdles to 19 consecutive wins, H&H looks at some of his career highlights in pictures so far.
Tomorrow Big Buck’s will be up against opponents including At Fishers Cross, Boston Bob and Reve De Sivola.
And he’ll be under a new partner — Sam Twiston-Davies. Ruby Walsh has ridden Big Buck’s in 16 out of his 18 consecutive wins, with AP McCoy on board the other 2.
“I can’t wait until Saturday,” said Sam Twiston-Davies. “Big Buck’s is a very, very exciting horse and I am very lucky guy. After sitting on him the other day, I couldn’t be happier. He just finds everything very easy.
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“It is all in his stride — he is never out of breath or doing anything that is too strenuous. He just has that engine — he is a top horse.”
Read H&H columnist Daryl Jacob’s thoughts on Big Buck’s comeback in the H&H VIP section of the website. NB: H&H VIP is a members’ only area, which costs £1 a week or less to join.
You might also enjoy watching our 2012 footage of Lucinda Green taking Big Buck’s for a spin.
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.