Arkle or Best Mate? That was the main subject of discussion in the racing press in the lead up to this, the 2004 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Who was the greatest of them all? All i can say, without hesitation, is that Best Mate was a very serious bit of kit. His record tells you everything you need to know, from 22 starts under rules, he won 14 and came second on 7 occasions.The only time Best Mate didn’t finish first or second was in his final race when he pulled up and then died after the race. His death brought the entire horseracing world to a standstill. He was an incredible horse and his contribution to National Hunt racing shoud never be forgotten. Henrietta and Terry looked after this fragile horse with incredible care, always ensuring he was in peak condition ready for each race, and Jim Culloty knew how to get the best out of his horse. It was a fantastic time for everyone in National Hunt racing. Our race photo shows Best Mate and Jim Culloty coming over the last with Harbour Pilot and Paul Carberry behind.
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