As we all know by now, the 6-1 shot that was trained by Paul Nicholls, Big Buck’s was the winner of this year’s Cheltenham Festival World Hurdle. With this win, jockey Ruby Walsh registered his fifth win in the Cheltenham Festival (he would go on to register seven in total – an impressive performance).

Though the six year old had stumbled after the very first hurdle, he managed to stay on his feet, eventually beating Punchestowns by two lengths. Walsh stated that he knew that although Big Buck’s had blundered at the start, he would get him back because of his huge engine.

Powerstation ended up third in the race with favorite Kasbah Bliss ending up a disappointing fourth. Walsh’s first win was on the opening day of the four day event, and he would register three on the second day too.

In the meantime, unfortunately I have also heard that Crack Away Jack, who came fourth in the Champion Hurdle, will be put away for the season. It is likely, however that he will return next term for a novice chase campaign.

His trainer, Emma Lavelle hopes that he will be good enough over fences in preparation for what would be his third appearance at a Cheltenham Festival, in 2010. She feels that there is no point in running him again this season, as he really does need some rest. So he will be put away and back in action at the beginning of next season.