World succumbs to Buck's fizz

Hot favourite Kasbah Bliss had every chance, but failed to find his usual turn of foot and was passed up the hill for third by Powerstation.

Barry Geraghty kicked clear in the straight on Punchestowns, but Ruby Walsh moved into overdrive and looked about to take charge when a mistake at the final flight gave his rival a chance. Big Buck's soon recovered, however, and prevailed by a length and three-quarters.

Walsh said: "I never jumped a hurdle down the back, but I was delighted to see Christophe (Pieux) arriving on the outside and not behind me.

"This horse has a huge engine, but he's quirky. When I got to Barry, he came back on the bridle and I thought I'd get there too soon. He fluffed the last, but I always knew I'd get him back."

Nicholls added: "He's a very good horse. I knew he had improved because the ground he won on over Christmas isn't his ground. He just keeps plenty for himself and has won with his ears pricked.

"I was very confident we had him at his peak and he looked fantastic. Probably making a mistake at the last didn't do him any harm and he wasn't in front too soon then - he just digs deep.

"We bought him to be a Gold Cup horse, and he just might be one day, but it could be in two years' time now."

Owner Andy Stewart admitted: "I thought Paul was bonkers when he said Big Buck's was going to go hurdling."