Best Mate

Irish-bred National Hunt racehorse who dominated steeplechasing in the early 2000s, winning three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups from 2002-2004.

Born on January 1, 2000, this bay gelding was bred in Ireland by Annie Yates and initially owned by Jim Lewis. Best Mate was sired by Un Desperado and out of the mare Katday, combining French and Irish bloodlines that would prove exceptional for National Hunt racing. The horse was purchased as a young prospect and placed under the care of Henrietta Knight, who trained from her West Lockinge Farm in Oxfordshire. Best Mate's racing career began over hurdles before progressing to steeplechasing, where his natural jumping ability and stamina became evident. Under the guidance of Knight and regular jockey Jim Culloty, he developed into one of the most formidable staying chasers of his generation. His partnership with Culloty was particularly notable, as the Irish jockey's patient, tactical riding style perfectly complemented the horse's racing temperament and abilities. The defining period of Best Mate's career came between 2002 and 2004, when he achieved the remarkable feat of winning three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups. His victories in 2002, 2003, and 2004 made him only the third horse in the race's history to complete this treble, following Golden Miller in the 1930s and Arkle in the 1960s. Each victory was achieved with distinctive style, showcasing his exceptional jumping and staying power over the grueling three-mile-plus distance at Prestbury Park. Best Mate's legacy extends beyond his Gold Cup treble, representing a golden era for British National Hunt racing and establishing Henrietta Knight as one of the sport's most accomplished trainers. His tragic collapse and death during a race at Exeter in November 2005 marked the premature end of a career that had captivated racing enthusiasts worldwide. The horse's achievements helped elevate the profile of steeplechasing, and his memory continues to inspire connections between racing and popular culture, cementing his status as one of jump racing's most beloved champions.

Strong stayer with excellent jumping ability and tactical speed

One of the greatest National Hunt racehorses, regarded as a Cheltenham legend