Big Buck's is likely to return to defend his crown in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle next March following his impressive performance at Cheltenham yesterday.

Trainer Paul Nicholls made a mid-season decision to switch the six-year-old to hurdles from chasing and the move paid off with a near two-length defeat of Nicky Henderson's Punchestowns.

Nicholls, who is enjoying a great Festival, said: "We have had a lot of faith in this horse and he had a big chance yesterday.

"Now he has won, we don't need to go chasing and I suspect we might do the same again next year.

"With Kauto Star as good as he is there is no point taking him on but hopefully he will go chasing one day and you'll see him in a Gold Cup."

Ladbrokes make Big Buck's their 3-1 favourite to repeat victory in their race next March.