So easy for Distance runner Buck's

Big Buck’s equalled a record set by Bula as he stretched his unbeaten run to 13 in landing the Sportingbet Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury for the third successive year.

Sent off the 1-8 favourite, the Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck’s travelled smoothly for Ruby Walsh, maintaining a watching brief early on before moving to the front with a circuit to go.

Pettifour and Duc De Regniere endeavoured to keep Big Buck’s honest but they paid for their efforts as Walsh’s mount really started to motor.

Sparky May looked like the most credible challenger at the top of the straight, despite taking a keen hold, and although she still appeared to be full of running, she had no answer to Big Buck’s at the business end.

Walsh merely gave the signal and Big Buck’s coasted home by five lengths from stablemate Five Dream, who plugged on admirably.