CHELTENHAM, England (AP) — Big Buck’s maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles by running a flawless race to win a third straight World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Paul Nicholls-trained 8-year-old, ridden by Ruby Walsh, took the lead before the final fence and outran main rival Grand Crus (7-2) in the sprint to the finish on Thursday.
The 10-11 favorite finished nearly two lengths clear for the gelding’s third victory of the season, becoming the first horse to win the three-mile race for three straight years.
Mourad finished third.
