3 minute read

He had to fight hard for it this year but in the end Big Bucks was not to be denied his 4th Wolrd Hurdle.

The crowd was ecstatic, Ruby Walsh could not stop smiling and the cheers rang out for horse, trainer, jockey and some to for the game runner up, Voler La Vedette, who looked at one stage as if she was going to score a mega upset, but Big Bucks is famous for stamina (as well as impeccable jumping) and Roby called on it and Big Bucks gave. Smad Place was third and Oscar Whisky probably disappointing in 5th.

The day started Sir Des Champs winning 7/7 in the Jewson, having fought out a great battle with Champion Court who was very brave, and For Non Stop third, who just got the better of Michael Flips our roughie who went off at 33/1, but not enough runners for that to count.

That was followed by a raft of upsets in the Pertemps Final with Cape Tribulation at 14/1 running the race of his life to hold out Catch Me 14/1 and Cantlow, who finished third, had been up in the lead with Buena Vista and Palace Jester for most of the race but they couldn't go on with it.

The Ryanair was a real thriller with Riverside Theatre just getting the edge on Alberta's Run after a great battle in the straight. Medermit was third and Captain Chris fourth.

The Byrne has been notorious for favourites losing but Salut Flo was not about to be added to that list setting off in the head of the field and hanging on to that position until the post. The Cockney Mackem was second, Glam Cherry third and not a bad run from Divers in fourth.