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Best Mate, the legendary 10-year-old steeplechaser, is one of the nation's most-loved horses, revered for his fearless jumping and gutsy staying power

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His first Gold Cup win came in 2002, with jockey Jim Culloty on board

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It was same again the following year as Culloty and Best Mate destroyed the very best field in steeplechasing, winning by 10 lengths from Truckers Tavern

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It was far closer in 2004, Best Mate holding on to beat Sir Rembrandt by half a length to join the elite band of triple Gold Cup winners

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The 10-year-old gelding became the first horse since the legendary Arkle in the mid-1960s to win three consecutive Gold Cups

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Best Mate's delighted trainer Henrietta Knight greets her horse following the remarkable success

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Culloty celebrates with Knight at the presentation of the famous trophy - but there's to be no repeat in 2005 as a burst blood vessel forces Knight to withdraw the horse