Big Bucks wins at Aintree

Big Bucks stayed on strongly to deny the pacesetting Battlecry in the John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree today.

Held up towards the rear of the field for most of the race, Big Bucks appreciated the step up to three miles and a furlong as he gave trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh another notable success.

Jumping into the lead at the final fence, Big Bucks (11-4) went on to win by two and a quarter lengths from Battlecry, with the favourite Albertas Run nine lengths away in third.

Paddy Brennan made it a true test on Battlecry, who bowled along in front and jumped well in the main until he got in too close at the second-last.

Big Bucks soon ranged alongside and although Battlecry stuck to his task he could not hold the Nicholls runner and had to settle for second best.

VC Bet gave Big Bucks a quote of 33-1 for the 2009 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Winning owner Andy Stewart told BBC Sport: "It's fantastic for Paul to get the horse back here after Cheltenham and to win as a five-year-old, we're delighted."

Nicholls added: "He is a talented horse and if we can just get him jumping that little bit better he will improve again.

"He'll have a good summer out, we'll take our time with him and he's one to look forward to.

"Ruby's given him a fantastic ride. I told him to go out and take his time and ride him like the best horse in the race and he did it really well."