Big Buck's overturns Punchestowns at Cheltenham

Big Buck's turned over hot favourite Punchestowns to claim top honours in the Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

The 7/2 chance was settled in the rear for much of the three-mile contest by Ruby Walsh but he began to make significant headway coming down to the second last.

The 10-11 market-leader Punchestowns appeared to be travelling the better of the two turning for home but Big Buck's found most up the hill to score by four lengths.

Victor Chandler pushed Punchestowns out to 5-2 from 2-1 for the World Hurdle in March, while the runner-up is 4-1 from 12-1 for the stayers' prize.

Walsh later stated "he's always been held in high regard and you can tell that when you walk into the yard as there is Denman, Kauto Star, Master Minded and this horse in the next stable.

"He gave me a great feel and I knew I had plenty of horse under me. I got there plenty soon enough but he has a big engine and he pulled plenty out.''