Big Buck’s, widely regarded as one of the all‑time greats among staying hurdlers, has passed away at the age of 23. The chestnut gelding, originally owned by the late Andy Stewart, was a central figure during the golden era of trainer Paul Nicholls, sharing a stable with legends such as Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded and Neptune Collonges. Although his connections always believed he possessed the talent to become a top‑class chaser, a dramatic fall at the final fence of the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup forced a return to hurdles—a decision that proved decisive. From that point forward, Big Buck’s never looked back, cementing an unrivalled record in the staying division.
He captured the Stayers’ Hurdle (now known as the World Hurdle) a historic four times, matched that feat in the Liverpool Hurdle, and triumphed three times in the Long Walk Hurdle. His partnership with jockey Ruby Walsh became iconic; Walsh often described how the gelding would settle into a flat spot mid‑race before unleashing a devastating turn of foot to seize victory. Speaking to the Press Association, Nicholls reflected on the horse’s extraordinary ability: "Ability‑wise he was probably as good as anything I've ever trained; it’s just a shame he couldn’t negotiate a chase fence.
He was a wonderful horse for a wonderful owner who deserved to have a great horse like that. Andy enjoyed the whole journey and shared it with everybody." Nicholls also praised the horse’s post‑racing life, noting that after retirement he spent a happy period with Mike and Lucy Felton before time inevitably caught up with him. "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," the trainer added. Big Buck’s stands as one of the last living links to that halcyon period for the Ditcheat‑based trainer. After reverting to hurdles, he amassed a then‑record 18 consecutive National Hunt wins, a streak only later matched by Altior.
The question that still haunts Nicholls is how far the gelding might have gone over fences had he been a natural jumper. "He won the graded race at Aintree over fences, jumped 18 fences and jumped them 18 different ways and still won," Nicholls recalled, adding that the horse’s mishap in the Hennessy left him convinced the gelding could have been a Gold Cup contender.
The trainer mused, "If Kauto Star hadn't been around at that time 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. But over hurdles he was invincible.
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." During his Cheltenham Festival appearances, Big Buck’s became a Thursday staple. Spectators would watch with bated breath as he hit the flat spot, only to see him surge up the hill in a final burst of speed, often leaving the crowd in awe.
When asked to pick a single race from his glittering résumé, Nicholls chose the fourth consecutive World Hurdle victory, where the gelded champion edged out a deep field, including the Irish challenger Voler La Vedette. "His fourth World Hurdle was the one that sticks out as being very special," Nicholls said, though he added that the entire career was filled with unforgettable moments. Beyond the statistics, Big Buck’s left an indelible mark on the sport’s culture. His signature flat‑spot finish became a talking point for pundits and fans alike, and his rivalry with other staying greats added narrative depth to each festival.
The gelding’s longevity—competing at the highest level well into his teens—offered a rare glimpse of consistency in a discipline where injury and form fluctuations are common. In retirement, he enjoyed a tranquil life under the care of the Feltons, who ensured his days were comfortable and his legacy honored.
The racing community mourned his loss, with tributes flowing from owners, trainers, jockeys and fans who remembered his tenacity, his unmistakable racing style, and his gentlemanly temperament off the track. Big Buck’s will be remembered not only for the record books he filled but also for the joy he brought to racing enthusiasts worldwide. His story underscores the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing—how a fall can redirect a career, how a horse can find its true calling, and how greatness can be measured in both victories and the affection of those who witnessed it. As Paul Nicholls summed up, "We were all very lucky to be associated with him.
He gave us so many great days, and his legacy will endure long after the final race was run."