Mate likely to opt for Leopardstown

BEST MATE is likely to be defending his Ericsson Chase crown at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day when trainer Henrietta Knight and owner Jim Lewis attempt to win the King George VI Chase for the third year running.

The Kempton Park showpiece has new sponsors , bookmakers Stan James, but exactly which horse will bid for the £200,000 contest on behalf of one of racing’s most formidable partnerships remains uncertain.

Last year’s winner, the evergreen Edredon Bleu, was on parade under Wellington Arch in Hyde Park, London, yesterday at the official launch of the new sponsorship.