Mate's ashes laid to rest

The ashes of triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate were laid to rest today in a ceremony at the scene of his greatest triumphs.

The ashes of Henrietta Knight’s charge, who collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack when making his seasonal bow in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup last month, were laid at the winning post at Cheltenham.

Best Mate’s owner, Jim Lewis, led the tributes, despite the tragic death of his wife Valerie, who passed away on Thursday.

He told fans gathered to watch the ceremony: “We all shared a part of the beautiful horse Best Mate, gone but not forgotten. Thanks, Matey.”

A hush fell across the course and grandstand as Best Mate’s ashes were buried.

The silence was broken by a lone piper who played Amazing Grace at the conclusion of the ceremony which took place before the start of racing.

Lewis added Best Mate was an “icon” who combined the skill of an athlete with the bravery of a street-fighter.

Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse told Racing UK: “How fitting it is that he is laid to rest here, where he won his three Gold Cups.

“Jim made a lovely speech and it is nice to see him put to rest here by the winning post – he can keep an eye on the young horses as they come past.

“It was very brave of Jim to go ahead with the ceremony, but I know the people appreciated it because, as he always said, he was the people’s horse.”