Racing Post is reporting both horses might be out for the season!

The former was due to run in Saturday's Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, while Al Ferof was being prepared for an assault at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Nicholls told Betfair: "At evening stables tonight, we discovered a problem with both Big Buck's and Al Ferof.

"I am not in a position to go into great detail at this point, but I can confirm that Big Buck's will not be taking up his engagement at Ascot on Saturday and Al Ferof will not be running in the King George.

"And both are unlikely to run again this season."

Big bucks has sustained a tiny tear in one of his legs. Is it too short notice for nicholls to get silvi conti to the king George?

i love big bucks one of my favorite horses and its awfull news

but every cloud has a silver lining and the world hurdle looks wide open and that is a good thing for the race & opens up some good betting options
i would of course like to see him win his fifth in a row but with him out it adds a different dimension to the race
and the race may attract horses that would have avoided BB like Quevega and Oscar Whiskey

The loss of Al Ferof is less of a blow he is still establishing himself as a chaser
no doubt a talent and he will be missed

He will be back in 12 months

Ruby now rides Kauto Stone in the KG.