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Paul Nicholls announces Big Buck's to be retired

Paul Nicholls announces that Big Buck's will be retired after finishing fifth in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has announced that Big Buck's has been retired after finishing fifth in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The feature race of the day was expected to be a dual between Annie Power and Big Buck's, but the latter failed to secure a top spot.

Big Buck's will end his career as a four-time World Hurdle winner, all of which were won with Ruby Walsh, who rode Annie Power in today's race.

"It's the obvious thing to do," BBC Sport quotes Nicholls as saying. "I wouldn't ask him to run again, he's been a wonderful horse. Half way round I could see he wasn't jumping so fluently and his legs weren't what they were.

"It's not an emotional decision, I'm delighted he's finished in one piece. It's the right decision at the right time and I'm thrilled, to be honest. He's just been wonderful."

More of That won the race this afternoon, while Annie Power came second and At Fishers Cross third.

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Barry Geraghty celebrates after riding More Of That to victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle on St Patrick's Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 13, 2014
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