Report: Best Mate wins in Ireland

The eight-year-old cruised home in the Ericsson Chase to warm applause from a crowd of 20,000, leaving rivals - including the well-fancied Beef or Salmon - a long way behind.

Most bookmakers reacted by cutting Best Mate's odds to 4-5 for steeplechasing's blue riband event at Cheltenham on 18 March where he will attempt to emulate the legendary Arkle with his third consecutive win.

What The Papers Said

It is rare for a horse to be sent off for the Gold Cup at such a short price - Arkle is also the only odds-on favourite to have won the race.

Best Mate's trainer Henrietta Knight confirmed after the Leopardstown race that he would not run again until Cheltenham.

"I'd love to think Best Mate will race on until he is 12 but that won't happen if we put too much mileage on the clock," she said.

"He has proved that he is the best there is."

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Meanwhile, Beef or Salmon's poor display in the Ericsson Chase was attributed to mucus in his lungs.

The leading Irish chaser was never travelling well at Leopardstown and eventually finished 13 lengths behind Best Mate.

"He's fine but he has some mucus in his lungs. That explains his poor performance," said Beef or Salmon's trainer Michael Hourigan on Monday.

"He'll be okay in four or five days, hopefully. We'll check him over and then see what to do after that. Plans are on hold for the moment."

After the Ericsson Chase, Beef Or Salmon was pushed out in the Gold Cup betting to about 12-1.

What the papers said

Racing Post: Best Mate oozed class as he trounced his rivals with a maginificent display of jumping that thrilled a huge audience at Leopardstown and sent a breathtaking warning to his Gold Cup rivals.

Daily Mail: Best Mate's nine-length demolition of a high-class field at Leopardstown vindicated trainer Henrietta Knight's decision to bypass the King George VI Chase at Kempton and cross the Irish Sea.

The Independent: Best Mate wrapped up an exceedingly merry Christmas for Henrietta Knight in Dublin with a brilliant display to win the Ericsson Chase.

The Times: The only time (jockey) Jim Culloty used his whip at all was the wave it to the crowd. It was that easy. And now, granted good health for the next 10 weeks, Best Mate can join such jumping immortals as Arkle, Golden Miller and Cottage Rake by winning a third Gold Cup.

Daily Telegraph: It will take an extraordinary twist of fate to prevent Best Mate from winning a third Cheltenham Gold Cup in March following his faultless display in the Ericsson Chase.

The Guardian: Every jump was impeccable as if he were flicking over schooling hurdles, while an easy gallop suggested deep reserves of energy within.

The Sun: The reigning champion didn't just beat his opponents - he annihilated them.

Daily Express: Best Mate's Ericsson form was such that his rider had the confidence to make progress on leader Colonel Braxton's inside two fences out. Quiet man Culloty went up Tony McCoy's inner, where no jockey dares tread.

Daily Mirror: Mate shows he's the best - no Beefing as Salmon is filleted by champ.