Postpublished at 16:06 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Ballynagour is moving into contention...
Summary
More Of That beats Annie Power to Ladbrokes World Hurdle win
Trainer Paul Nicholls says Big Buck's has run his last race
Dynaste, also ridden by Tom Scudamore, wins the Ryanair Chase
Fingal Bay claims Pertemps Network Final in a photo-finish
AP McCoy rides Taquin Du Seuil to win in opening race
Ballynagour, ridden by Tom Scudamore, wins Byrne Group Plate
Spring Heeled wins the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Postpublished at 16:06 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Postpublished at 16:06 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Four fences to go and Champion Court is being put under some pressure now. Tatenen htis the front and Colour Squadron is making a bid.
Postpublished at 16:05 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
BBC Radio 5 live sports extraLuke Harvey, racing commentator at Cheltenham: "Champion Court likes to bowl along in the front and he's doing so very nicely."
Postpublished at 16:04 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Tatenen is travelling well as he moves up to second in the field. Still Champion Court leads the way.
Postpublished at 16:03 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
AP McCoy is on Colour Squadron, and he's sitting back behind the early leaders in the congested field. Champion Court is the pacemaker.
Postpublished at 16:01 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
After a false start, which saw some runners end up jumping the first fence, the Byrne Group Plate is under way. Second time lucky.
Postpublished at 15:59 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Third Intention, Tap Night and Johns Spirit are also highly-fancied. Another horse to keep a close eye on is Shangani, who won a Grade 3 Handicap at Newbury last time out.
Postpublished at 15:57 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
After all that excitement, we turn our attentions to the next race which is the Byrne Group Plate. Colour Squadron is the big favourite in this 23-horse field.
Postpublished at 15:48 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Here's a picture of More Of That, in green, edging out Annie Power to win the World Hurdle:
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 15:47 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
John Hunt
BBC Radio 5 live racing commentator at Cheltenham"Big Buck's has been the Arkle of the three-mile hurdle. He has put this race on the map. The public have taken this horse to their heart. "
Postpublished at 15:46 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
BBC Radio 5 livePaul Nicholls, Big Buck's trainer, on his horse's retirement: "It's the obvious thing to do. I wouldn't ask him to run again - he's been a wonderful horse. Half way round I could see he wasn't jumping so fluently and his legs weren't what they were. It's not an emotional decision - I'm delighted he's finished in one piece. It's the right decision at the right time and I'm thrilled, to be honest. He's just been wonderful."
Postpublished at 15:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
It sounds like the drinks are on you tonight, James!
Get involvedpublished at 15:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Jim Woolgar:, external I backed More of That at 10/1 last night!
James Neilson:, external Four from four so far today. Bagged More of That at 10/1 this morning.
Postpublished at 15:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Big Buck's is being given a lap of honour in the parade ring. And what a fine reception he's getting. One of the best.
Postpublished at 15:42 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
BBC Radio 5 liveBarry Geraghty, More of That jockey: "He is still a bit of a baby but he jumped and travelled well. He still is a little bit innocent but he's got an engine. When we turned in for the finish I wasn't sure how well Annie Power was going, but as he [Ruby Walsh] gave his mare a squeeze I always felt I had the finish."
Postpublished at 15:41 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
BBC Radio 5 liveWillie Mullins, trainer of Annie Power: "It was a good, fair race. I thought we jumped fantastically the whole way, but we were just beaten by a better horse on the day. I was hoping my mare would pull away but More of That was going well. Annie Power has lost nothing in defeat. I'm a little disappointed not to have run but we ran a good race - no excuses."
Postpublished at 15:38 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Peter Scudamore
Former champion jockey on BBC Radio 5 live at Cheltenham"Big Buck's just couldn't respond today. Age caught up, and possibly he hasn't also had enough races because of his injuries."
Postpublished at 15:37 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Big Buck's heads into retirement as one of the best staying horses of all time. Four World Hurdle titles are testament to that.
BREAKING NEWSpublished at 15:36 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
Image source, Getty ImagesTrainer Paul Nicholls has announced that Big Buck's has been retired after finishing fifth in the World Hurdle.
Postpublished at 15:36 Greenwich Mean Time 13 March 2014
I bet there are a few bookies relieved with that result. Annie Power was heavily backed, particularly in the last 24 hours.