ANDY STEWART: Big Bucks’ owner dies aged 70

Andy Stewart, owner of the greatest staying hurdler of all-time and four-time Cheltenham Festival winner Big Bucks, has sadly died at the aged of 70.

Associated with the familiar red, white and black silks, Stewart owned an array of top-class horses across a 20-year timespan with Ditcheat chief Paul Nicholls, with non more popular than the son of Cadoudal, who clocked up a remarkable four successes in the Stayers Hurdle between 2009 and 2012.

A recruit from France, the modern-day great won a mammoth 18 starts in a row before suffering defeats at Cheltenham after missing the entirety of 2013.

Stewart also had duel Foxhunters’ winner Pacha Du Polder in his ranks, as well as Saphir Du Rheu and Celestial Halo.

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Nicholls said: “It’s awfully sad. I knew he’d been poorly since he had that fall in Barbados, and he’s just not got over it.

“I’ve known him for the best part of 20 years, and I reckon we spoke to each other and were in contact nearly every day in that 20 years.

“We had many memories, but Big Bucks’ fourth win in the Stayers’ was an amazing day.”

The Jockey Club’s west regional managing director Ian Renton added: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of popular racehorse owner, Andy Stewart.

“Andy was a true friend and supporter of Cheltenham and the Jockey Club.

“He will be sorely missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his wife Judy and sons, Paul and Mark at this difficult time.”