THERE is a time in every sporting career when the hero gets overturned by the guy next in line, or the no-hoper or by the fairy story - and that happened to Best Mate at Leopardstown yesterday when he was beaten by Beef or Salmon.

Expect the Paul Nicholls-trained Silver Birch to run a huge race in the £100,000 (€142,100) Coral Welsh National tomorrow if the holiday card at Chepstow beats the freeze.

Best Mate is reported to be in top form ahead of his scheduled run in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on Tuesday week.

BEST MATE thrilled his most dedicated band of supporters with another starring performance as he appeared in front of the crowds at Henrietta Knight’s West Lockinge stables in Oxfordshire yesterday morning.

IT is two minutes after 2.30pm when Jacqui Jenner leads Best Mate into the pre-parade ring.

Best Mate is as short as 4-5 to win the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup for a third successive year after he silenced the doubters with a superb performance to win the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown yesterday.