Best Mate became the first horse since L'Escargot in 1971 to win back-to-back Gold Cups at Cheltenham today. Trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty the heavily backed 13/8 favourite cruised home ten lengths clear of outsiders Truckers Tavern with Harbour Pilot.
Leading Irish fancy Beef Or Salmon was an early faller, parting company with jockey Timmy Murphy at the third fence.
Culloty had the eight-year-old beautifully placed in sixth as first Behrajan and then Chives led the field. Jumping fluently, Best Mate ranged up on Chives down the hill, hitting the front before the second last and striding clear to record a memorable 10 length victory.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
