Big Buck's a bit special

BIG Buck's won back-to-back renewals of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle with an effortless victory under Ruby Walsh, as punters finally enjoyed watching a big-race favourite land the odds.

Walsh's mount was hard on the bridle throughout and try as Time For Rupert might, he could never put the 5-6 favourite under enough pressure.

War Of Attrition made most of the running but Time For Rupert took over turning into the straight, although Walsh could be seen travelling ominously well. The Festival's winning-most jockey had a leisurely look around for dangers, but they were non existent and after a slightly scrappy jump at the last. Big Buck's was pushed out with hands and heels for a three-and-a-quarter-length win. Powerstation was back in third, the same position he filled 12 months ago.

Walsh said: "He's a special horse. He's absolutely bolted in. He's a horse that doesn't want to be in front too long. He's got a terrific engine and that was a good round of jumping, he jumped better today than he ever has done."

lNicholls said: "He's a hugely talented horse. It's unbelievable. I worked the horses on Saturday morning – Poquelin, Master Minded, Kauto Star, the lot. They all worked well but he worked like a hairy goat. That's just him and I lost confidence a bit and I was sweating beforehand. He never hit a flat spot today. He's very good."

Jonjo O'Neill's Albertas Run landed his second Cheltenham Festival victory as he powered up the hill to claim the Ryanair Chase in impressive style.

Winner of the RSA Chase two years ago, Albertas Run was always prominent under champion jockey Tony McCoy as Deep Purple helped set the pace.

Walsh had him in his sights on the favourite Poquelin turning into the straight, but there was a bit of trouble in running at that point as Davy Condon tried to sneak up the inside on J'y Vole but found the door firmly shut.

McCoy kicked on again approaching the last and the 14-1 chance shot four-and-a-half lengths away from the jolly.