Murphy in frame for Best Mate ride

Timmy Murphy, who guided Best Mate to victory in his comeback race at Exeter last year, is Henrietta Knight’s first choice to replace the retired Jim Culloty on the gelding this season.

Miss Knight indicated that she would like Murphy, one of several jockeys in attendance at her owners’ day, to renew his link with the triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 1.

The trainer is mindful of the fact that champion owner David Johnson has a retainer on Murphy, and she said: “Timmy knows the horse and it would make sense for him to ride ‘Matey’ in his races but Martin Pipe has a strong hand of top staying chases and I realise Timmy might not be available.

“No decision will be made until much nearer the time and after Jim Lewis (owner) returns from holiday.”