"He's an aeroplane," winning jockey Ruby Walsh said of the 10-11 favorite, holding up three fingers in a victory salute moments after crossing the finishing line one and three-quarter lengths ahead of second favorite Grands Crus (7-2).

Irishman Walsh had to be at his animated best, pushing Big Buck's into the lead before the final hurdle, then holding off a sustained challenge from Grands Crus up the run-in.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said the horse's class had got him home in front in a slowly-run race.

"He wins by staying but class is what he has got and that was awesome today," said the champion trainer, adding that Big Buck's had produced a "career best" performance on Thursday.