Knight 'overwhelmed' by Irish Best Mate interest

Henrietta Knight said today she was overwhelmed by the interest shown in her stable star Best Mate when she visited Ireland on Sunday.

The veteran trainer was at Leopardstown for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, which was won by another hugely popular chaser, Florida Pearl.

Best Mate wowed the crowds at the same track over Christmas when he put up a faultless display to land the Ericsson Chase.

“He got a terrific reception when he won in Ireland, it was very moving,” Miss Knight said. “I was there on Sunday for the Hennessy and everybody was asking me about him. All they wanted to know was ‘how’s Best Mate, how’s Best Mate?’.

“The horse is in very good form.”

Best Mate will make his bid for an historic third successive victory in the Tote Gold Cup on March 18, a day targeted by supporters of Manchester United, who are planning a major protest against their club’s principal shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus.

The ‘United 4 Action’ group are hoping up to 250 of their number will be able to join what they intend to be a “peaceful, vocal” protest.

“I hope it can all be solved sooner rather than later,” the trainer added.