BIG BUCK’S became an unlikely contender for the World Hurdle at the Festival when scoring on his debut over timber for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh at Cheltenham yesterday.

AFSOUN can floor the Jonjo O’Neill duo of Black Jack Ketchum and Wichita Lineman in the Steel Plate And Sections Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

Low-lying sun meant no fewer than six fences were omitted from the Unicoin Homes Chase at Cheltenham as thousands of racegoers packed the stands on New Year’s Day.