Big Buck’s, widely regarded as one of the finest staying hurdlers ever to compete, has died at the age of 23. The bay gelding, 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 him back to hurdling, a decision that proved to be the right one for the rest of his career.
Once he returned to the hurdles, Big Buck’s never looked back, establishing a record‑breaking legacy that still resonates in National Hunt circles. He captured the Stayers’ Hurdle – now known as the World Hurdle – a remarkable four times, a feat unmatched by any other horse.
In addition, he secured four victories in the Liverpool Hurdle and triumphed three times in the Long Walk Hurdle, cementing his reputation as the dominant force over long distances. His partnership with jockey Ruby Walsh became one of the most beloved duos in the sport; Walsh often described how the gelding would settle into a flat spot mid‑race before unleashing a powerful finishing burst that left spectators in awe.
When asked about the champion by the Press Association, Nicholls said, "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." He went on to recall the horse’s retirement, noting that Big Buck’s enjoyed a comfortable life with Mike and Lucy Felton after his racing days were over, before time inevitably caught up with him. Nicholls reflected on the unique period in which he trained the gelding, noting that he was fortunate to have Big Buck’s alongside Kauto Star, Neptune Collonges, Master Minded and Denman.
"He was definitely as good as any of them," the trainer added, emphasizing the high regard in which the horse was held within that illustrious group. Big Buck’s also made history by becoming the first horse to win Sir Ken and then string together a record 18 consecutive National Hunt victories while hurdling – a record only surpassed years later by Altior. The question that lingers for Nicholls, however, is how far the horse could have gone if he had 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 explained.
"It made me think he was a certainty in the Hennessy and he was unlucky that day, but he just wasn't a natural jumper of a fence." He speculated that if Kauto Star had not been in the stable at that time, they might have persisted with the chase program, and Big Buck’s could have contested the 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 mused. "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." At the Cheltenham Festival, Big Buck’s became a fixture on Thursday afternoons, his characteristic flat spot causing a collective gasp from the crowd before he surged forward, climbing the hill with Walsh aboard and often pulling away in the final stages. When Nicholls was asked to pick a single race from the gelding’s decorated career, he chose the fourth consecutive World Hurdle victory, a race where Big Buck’s beat a deep field that included the Irish challenger Voler La Vedette. "His fourth World Hurdle was the one that sticks out as being very special," Nicholls said, adding that the horse gave them countless unforgettable days.
Beyond the statistics, Big Buck’s left an indelible mark on fans, trainers, and fellow jockeys. His ability to dominate the staying hurdle division across multiple seasons, his consistency at the highest level, and his partnership with one of the sport’s most charismatic riders made him a true icon. While his career was ultimately defined by hurdling, the lingering question of what might have been over fences adds a layer of intrigue to his story, reminding everyone that even the greatest athletes can have untapped potential. In the years since his retirement, Big Buck’s has been remembered not only for his victories but also for his personality.
He was known for his calm demeanor in the stables, his willingness to work, and his fierce competitiveness when the gates opened. Those who spent time with him described a horse that loved the sport, relished the challenge, and always gave his all, regardless of the distance or the competition. As the National Hunt community mourns his loss, the legacy of Big Buck’s endures.
His name will continue to be spoken with reverence at every major staying hurdle meeting, and his story serves as a benchmark for future generations of hurdlers. The combination of his record‑breaking achievements, his memorable racing style, and the affection he inspired among fans ensures that Big Buck’s will remain a celebrated figure in racing history for many years to come.