More Of That caused something of an upset in the World Hurdle beating off the challenge from the previously unbeaten Annie Power to win on just his fifth run.
As was the case in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, Barry Geraghty was the beneficiary with AP McCoy choosing At Fishers Cross and Geraghty chalks up another big race win.
The race was billed as the clash between Annie Power and Big Buck’s but it never materialised as the former Champion struggled to go with them from after the third last and eventually finished fifth. Paul Nicholls confirmed straight after the race that Big Buck’s will now be retired at the age of 11.
Throughout the race, Reve De Sivola led the field for the best part of the race along with Celestial Halo and there was very little change in the order for most of the way. Ruby Walsh tried to settle Annie Power in the rear of the field but she only dropped the bit passing the stands. Big Buck’s shared third most of the way alongside Rule The World while stablemates, Zarkandar and Salubrious brought up the rear of the field.
Turning away from the stands they began to quicken up the pace and at the top of the hill Reve De Sivola and Celestial Halo were beginning to struggle to hold their position at the head of affairs.
Moving down to the second last, several jockeys began to make their move with At Fishers Cross and Rule The World hitting the front over the second last. Ruby Walsh failed to find room as he took the shortest route around and was forced to switch to the outside at a crucial point.
Heading for home and AP McCoy forged to the front with At Fishers Cross but did not stay there long as Annie Power and More Of That loomed up on his inside.
At the final flight, the pair took off together but it was More of That who got away quicker from the back of the last and Annie Power was never able to close the gap with the JP McManus horse running out a winner by three lengths.
“It’s all come together nicely. He doesn’t show you that at home, he just goes about his business and does nothing flash but he’s shown us today he’s a proper horse.”
Trainer of the runner up, Annie Power, Willie Mullins said; ‘’I don’t have any excuse. She jumped very well. It was a good horse race.’’ While Annie Power’s jockey, Ruby Walsh spoke of his disappointment on finishing second; ‘’She’s still a very good mare and she will benefit greatly from the experience. It’s just disappointing to get beat.’’
The winning owner, JP McManus commented on the choice that Tony McCoy made saying; ‘’AP had a lot of faith in At Fishers Cross but Jonjo was surprised he didn’t pick More Of That.’’
“I thought he’d stay but you never you never know – she [Annie Power] gave us a fair fright,” said O’Neill, who knows a thing or two about great mares having ridden Dawn Run to win the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Today not only belongs to the new guard with a new Champion in More Of That and a valliant runner up in Annie Power. It also belongs to a formidable champion, Big Buck’s who bows out at the age of 11. One of the greatest staying hurdlers that we have ever witnessed, a four time winner of the World Hurdle, an enigma, an amazing horse and deserves a great retirement.
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