A crowd of 6,000 turned up to see triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate at an open day at his trainer Henrietta Knight's Oxfordshire yard. The nine-year-old was the star attraction among a parade of the 100 horses in the care of Knight and her husband/assistant Terry Biddlecombe
Knight revealed that Best Mate's campaign for a fourth Gold Cup will begin in a new race at Exeter on 19 November.
"We think he's better than ever and Terry, who feeds him every morning, is convinced that he is," said Knight.
"The horse knows he is a bit special and loves playing to a crowd. I don't think you'll see a better horse anywhere in terms of the way he shows himself.
"The plan is to go for a new conditions chase at Exeter over two miles and seven furlongs in which he is likely to meet all the big guns, including Sir Rembrandt and Kingscliff.
"It should be a really good race, then we will probably head to Leopardstown over Christmas (for the Lexus Chase). Only if it is flooded in Ireland will we switch him to the King George at Kempton."
Last year's King George was surprisingly won by another of Knight's horses, Edredon Bleu, and the veteran 12-year-old will not be retiring just yet.
"He has improved with age and got better and better last season," said Knight.
"While he continues to retain his enthusiasm we'll campaign him at the top level."
MMIX
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