Racing: Hat trick for Big Buck's

Ruby Walsh on Big Buck's at Cheltenham Racecourse. Photo / PA

The incomparable Big Buck's stretched his unbeaten record to 11 races when securing a third consecutive World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Paul Nicholls' now-legendary stayer turned in what was arguably a career-best display to overcome talented six-year-old Grands Crus by a length and three-quarters.

The success was even more meritorious as Ruby Walsh dropped his whip.

No horse had ever won the World Hurdle for three years on the spin, with the exploits of Big Buck's sending a heaving Cheltenham Festival grandstand into near delirium.

Mourad took the minor honours in third place.

- PA