Hennessy target for Best Mate

Best Mate out of Gold Cup

Triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate could return to action in November, trainer Henrietta Knight has revealed.

The 10-year-old horse was dramatically ruled out of bidding for a fourth Gold Cup win this Friday when bursting a blood vessel on the gallops.

Knight is already planning his 2005/06 campaign, which may see him run in handicap races against horses with different weights.

She told BBC Five Live the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in late November was a possible target.

Describing her stable star as "the most popular horse in the land", Knight said he was in great shape despite Thursday's shock setback.

Hopefully there's still plenty more to come Henrietta Knight

Critics of Best Mate suggest he is a one-race specialist, who thrives at Cheltenham over a particular trip against level-weight opposition.

However, the handicapper - who allocates weights for handicap races - has given the horse a rating which could entice the Best Mate team.

"The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury looks very attractive," Knight told the BBC's Sportsweek programme.

"He's got low mileage, looks like a very fresh horse, and hopefully there's plenty more to come."

She believes Best Mate can return to Cheltenham in March 2006 and still win a fourth title.

"You can never say anything is definite with animals, but that's the aim - to come back and get our trophy," she said.

Cheltenham odds

Knight said telling owner Jim Lewis that his beloved 'Matey' would not make the Festival was the type of phone call every trainer dreads.

"I told him the dream had come to an end, and he knew immediately what I meant, but Jim was wonderfully philosophical about it," said Knight.

"He's just the same in triumph as in adversity."

The trainer believes the 2005 Gold Cup, without Best Mate, is now an open contest.

She listed Kingscliff, Sir Rembrandt, Kicking King, Strong Flow and Beef Or Salmon as potential winners.