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Best Mate cremated

03/11/2005

Horseracing legend Best Mate has been cremated after Devon council would not allow him to be buried at Exeter Racecourse.

Best Mate's owner Jim Lewis wanted to bury the horse near to where he died of a heart attack while making his racing comeback.

Mr Lewis said: "We've had loads of messages from all over the world and it is very moving. We thank everybody for being so supportive. We appreciate it."

Tributes to Best Mate have poured in since his death. Jockey Tony McCoy said he was "the best steeplechaser we've seen around for a long time".

"Arkle won three Gold Cups and it was a long time before another horse came along to achieve the same as he did so I'm sure it will be pretty much the same with Best Mate," he added.

The immensely popular horse, trained by Henrietta Knight, was making his first public outing since running in Ireland last Christmas due to a burst blood vessel.

The ten-year-old had initially looked in good form during his run in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, but he grew noticeably uncomfortable before collapsing.

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