Lewis looking forward to Mater return

Jim Lewis will be delighted if triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate makes the frame and returns sound after his long-awaited reappearance at Exeter next month.

Henrietta Knight’s star chaser was ruled out of an attempt at four straight victories in the Blue Riband after he broke a blood vessel on the gallops in his final workout before the race.

The 10-year-old has not been seen since tasting defeat at the hands of Beef Or Salmon at Leopardstown last Christmas and will return a week on Tuesday in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup.

“I saw him at the launch of the North West Masters and he looked in superb nick,” said Lewis.

“I would guess he would need the race as Henrietta probably has not got him quite ready for the Haldon Gold Cup.

“We need to find out if he has come back from his problems and if I am honest, if he gets in the first three and does not bleed, I will be pleased.

“He’s in full work and has schooled twice, but Exeter is the big day. The Sword Of Damocles is hanging over us, but if he runs well, then we will go to Haydock full of confidence for the Betfair Chase.”

Much speculation has continued as to who will partner Best Mate at Exeter, and Lewis said: “Possibly Timmy Murphy will ride, but if not it will be another leading jockey.”