Mate to run at Leopardstown

Best Mate is to bypass the Pertemps King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day and will run instead in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Trainer Henrietta Knight made the announcement to PA Sport this afternoon after discussions with owner Jim Lewis.

"Best Mate goes to Ireland to get the easier ground,'' said Miss Knight.

“I think it might be too quick for him at Kempton and at the end of it all, it is the best interests of the horse we have at heart. We are trying to get him ready for a third Gold Cup in March.”