Big Buck’s at the top of the ranks in the annual Anglo Irish Jumps Classification
Big Buck’s who is currently under the training of Paul Nicholls is in a league of his own, as he was given a 174 mark for the fourth time in his career, as staying hurdler in the annual Anglo Irish Jumps Classification.
The nine-year-old gelding has demonstrated his capabilities many times over the course of his career, and out of 37 starts, he has an impressive 22 victories.
The son of Cadoudal, out of mare Buck´s is at the top of the ranking, and is not threatened by anyone as the next best rated horse, Oscar Whisky, is 9lb shy of him.
Martin Greenwood, handicapper of the British Horseracing Authority feels that Big Buck’s will hold on to the title.
"I have a sense of deja vu. Short of kidnapping, I cannot see how he can get beaten next year - unless some horse comes out of the skies. He is certainly the best hurdler I've ever rated."
He further added that:
"He is probably even better than 174. Unfortunately, he is so short of credible challengers we may never know. It will take a truly great horse to beat him. I honestly don't think it will ever happen."
The bay and brown gelding, who is owned by the Stewart Family, conquered theWorld Hurdle at Cheltenham four times and seems to be unstoppable.
Willie Mullins' Hurricane Fly was given a higher rating of 173 this time last year, but he fell short in this running because of his performance in the Cheltenham Festival.
Despite his best efforts, the son of Montjeu, out of mare Scandisk, finished third in the Grade 1 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy in March, 2012, as he fell 5 ½ lengths short of the victory to, Rock On Ruby.
The eight-year-old gelding recovered in the Grade 1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle in April, 2012, where he notched the victory by 2 ½ lengths.
The Irish handicapper, Noel O'Brien, has given both these runners an equal rating of 170, which is three less than Hurricane Fly’s rating last year.
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