Big Buck’s, widely regarded as one of the most exceptional staying hurdlers in modern racing history, has passed away at the age of 23. The horse, owned by the late Andy Stewart, was a central figure during a golden era for trainer Paul Nicholls, sharing the paddock with legends such as Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded and Neptune Collonges. Although his connections initially saw him as a potential top‑class chaser, a disastrous fall at the final fence of the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup forced a permanent return to hurdling, a decision that would ultimately define his legacy. Once back over hurdles, Big Buck’s never looked back, embarking on a career that would see him dominate the staying division for nearly a decade.
His record is astonishing: he captured the Stayers' Hurdle – now known as the World Hurdle – a record four times, won the Liverpool Hurdle on four occasions, and triumphed in the Long Walk Hurdle three times. These victories spanned three of the sport’s most prestigious venues – Cheltenham, Aintree and Newbury – and cemented his reputation as an invincible force whenever a long‑distance hurdle race was on the agenda.
A particularly memorable aspect of his racing style was the distinctive flat spot he would hit midway through a race, often prompting a collective gasp from the crowd. In those moments, he seemed to gather his reserves before unleashing a powerful finishing surge, a trademark that endeared him to fans worldwide. His partnership with jockey Ruby Walsh was especially fruitful; together they formed a partnership that produced countless memorable finishes and cemented both horse and rider as fan favourites.
Speaking to the Press Association, Nicholls reflected on the horse’s extraordinary abilities: "Ability‑wise he was probably as good as anything I've ever trained. It’s just a shame he couldn’t jump a chase fence. He was a wonderful horse for a wonderful owner who deserved to own a great horse like that. Andy enjoyed the whole journey and shared it with everybody." Nicholls also paid tribute to the quality of life Big Buck’s enjoyed after retirement, noting the care he received from Mike and Lucy Felton.
"The horse had a brilliant life and had a great time with us and then a great time with Mike and Lucy Felton in retirement, but sadly time caught up with him," he said. The trainer added that sharing a stable with the likes of Kauto Star, Neptune Collonges, Master Minded and Denman was a rare privilege.
"I was very lucky to have him at the same time as Kauto Star, Neptune Collonges, Master Minded and Denman. He was definitely as good as any of them," Nicholls asserted, underscoring the high regard in which he held the hurdler. Big Buck’s achievements extend beyond his major Grade One wins. He became the first horse to notch a then‑record 18 consecutive National Hunt victories after reverting to hurdles – a streak only surpassed later by Altior.
This remarkable run highlighted his consistency and his ability to dominate across a range of courses and conditions. Nicholls often muses about what might have been had Big Buck’s remained a chaser.
"He won the Graded race at Aintree over fences, jumped 18 fences and jumped them 18 different ways and still won," Nicholls recalled. He suggested that the horse’s fall in the Hennessy was perhaps a missed opportunity, noting that the horse was not a natural jumper of fences. "If Kauto Star hadn't been about at that time then we probably would have persevered over fences and he had the ability to win a Gold Cup.
If he had won the Hennessy that day it would have definitely given us a headache and it would have been interesting where he would have ended up," Nicholls said. Nevertheless, Nicholls emphasizes that over hurdles, Big Buck’s was simply unbeatable. "Andy said I was bonkers, but going back over hurdles was the best thing we ever did. History tells you how good he was and Cheltenham, Aintree, Newbury, Ascot – if there was a big staying hurdle race, he won them all – all those Grade Ones on the trot, what a horse," he declared.
One of the most iconic moments in his career was his fourth consecutive World Hurdle victory at the Cheltenham Festival, where he faced a deep field and edged out the Irish challenger Voler La Vedette. "His fourth World Hurdle was the one that sticks out as being very special," Nicholls recalled, noting that the flat spot followed by a burst of speed on the Cheltenham hill became a signature of his performances.
Beyond the statistics, Big Buck’s left an indelible mark on the sport’s culture. His flat spot often sparked nervous anticipation among spectators, only to be rewarded with a spectacular finish. He became a staple of Thursday evenings at Cheltenham, a horse that fans would watch with bated breath, knowing that a spectacular surge could be just moments away.
In summarising his career, Nicholls said, "We had so many great days with such a brilliant horse and we were all very lucky to be associated with him." The trainer’s words capture the affection and respect that Big Buck’s earned from everyone who worked with him, from his owner Andy Stewart to the stable staff, jockeys and racing fans. As the racing community mourns his loss, the legacy of Big Buck’s endures. His record, his distinctive racing style, and the joy he brought to countless supporters ensure that his name will continue to be spoken with reverence for generations to come. His passing marks the end of an era, but his story remains a benchmark for excellence in staying hurdling, reminding future generations of what true greatness looks like on the racecourse.