Cremation for Best Mate

Champion racehorse Best Mate, which died during a race on Tuesday, was cremated today.

The triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner collapsed with a suspected heart attack at Exeter Racecourse during the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup.

He was cremated because Devon County County Trading Standards Department refused burial outside the racetrack rails at the spot where he died – the wish of owner Jim Lewis.

An Exeter Racecourse spokesman said they would await instructions from Mr Lewis about the disposal of Best Mate’s ashes.