Big Buck's wins 17th straight jumps race

AINTREE, England (AP) - Big Buck's became the first horse to win 17 straight British jump races when he eased to a fourth consecutive victory in the Liverpool Hurdle on the opening day of the Aintree Festival on Thursday.

The French-bred horse, ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained by Paul Nicholls, won the 3-mile race by seven lengths. Britain's leading horse racing guide, The Racing Post, said Big Buck's broke the 59-year world record he held with Sir Ken, who ran in the 1950s.

The 9-year-old Big Buck's hasn't lost since switching from racing over the bigger fences to the hurdles at the start of 2009.

He went off as a 2-9 favorite and only took the lead with two hurdles remaining, building a big enough lead to cruise home in the final stretch to the acclaim of the crowd.

``We are totally flattered by the reception he has been given by everyone here,'' owner Andy Stewart said. ``He hasn't had an off-day since unseating in the Hennessy Gold Cup (in 2008).''

The meet culminates on Saturday with the Grand National Steeplechase, the world's most famous jump race.