Mate could have National date

Triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate could run in the 2006 John Smith’s Grand National.

Owner Jim Lewis has admitted that he and trainer Henrietta Knight had considered entering the 10-year-old for this year’s Aintree race.

However, they have shelved the plan for this season with a crack at the four-and-a-half-mile marathon on the cards for next year.

He told The Sun: “Hen and I talked about it and then decided not to enter him.

“But next season I expect Best Mate may run more than his usual three races and the Grand National is a possibility.

“These days the fences are not so dangerous. Best Mate would not have to carry more than 11st 12lb and most of his rivals would be out of the handicap.”

Best Mate suffered a surprise defeat by Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown last month but he was found to be coughing after the race.

The reigning champion remains on course for Cheltenham though and he is the 3-1 favourite for the Gold Cup with sponsors totesport.