Nicholls delighted with Buck’s

Big Buck’s took an important step ahead of his eagerly-anticipated return to action with a gallop before racing at Exeter yesterday.

The champion staying hurdler, trained by Paul Nicholls, was partnered by Daryl Jacob in the two-mile workout over a circuit of the track.

Looking very fit, with his skin in good condition, he travelled alongside Finale Hurdle-bound stablemate Solar Impulse, ridden by Nick Scholfield, before going ahead near the winning line.