Andy Stewart admits owning Big Buck’s has become a “nervous responsibility” as his bid to win the World Hurdle for a fourth time draws ever closer.
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old would move ahead of Inglis Drever in the record books as the only four-time winner of the race should he triumph on Thursday week.
Big Buck’s has not lost over hurdles since Nicholls switched him back to the smaller obstacles following a mishap in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup, a move which Stewart disagreed with at the time.
“(It was) a mad idea hatched by the genius trainer Paul Nicholls. Many of us said he was bonkers,” Stewart said.
“The first of his 15 wins over the smaller obstacles was on New Year’s Day in 2009 at Cheltenham when he beat Don’t Push It, who has since gone on to win the Grand National under AP McCoy.
“Owning the horse has become a nervous responsibility.
“Our family are so lucky and the numerous messages and letters that we receive overwhelms us.
“Who knows if he will win for a 16th time in a row – but win, lose or draw, he will always be a very special horse to us.”
His regular jockey Ruby Walsh said: “He’s incredible to be unbeaten for so long.
“He never looks flashy but just keeps winning. You like grafters, the flashy ones never last.”
Jennie Candlish is set to rely upon stable star Cross Kennon in the race.
The eight-year-old was fourth to Big Buck’s in the race 12 months ago and has returned to the smaller obstacles after a spell `chasing in the early part of this season.
Cross Kennon was last seen in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock, where he was a creditable second to Restless Harry.
“I’ve got a couple of horses in the handicaps that I’m not sure will get in, so we might just have Cross Kennon in the World Hurdle,” Candlish said.
“We’d rather Big Buck’s wasn’t there, but he is great for racing.
“There isn’t really anything else to run him in, but he did finish fourth last year and he might then go for the French Champion Hurdle.”
PA AAP TURF
