Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has paid tribute to the “truly special” racehorse Big Buck’s, who has died aged 23. The Stewart family’s National Hunt superstar won the Cheltenham Festival World Hurdle (now the Stayers’ Hurdle) a record four times and had a huge following across the equestrian community. “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to the fantastic Big Buck’s at the grand old age of 23,” said Paul. Four World Hurdle victories, four Liverpool Hurdles, three Long Walk Hurdles and 18 wins in a row — what a record.” In March that year Sam rode Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle, where they finished fifth.