Best Mate wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup at his first attempt in 2002 to the delight of his trainer Henrietta Knight
The following year Matey stormes home in first place to win his second Cheltenham Gold Cup and becomes the first horse in 30 years to achieve back-to-back wins.
In 2004, the legendry bay joins Arkle and Cottage Rake as post-war triple Gold Cup winners.
Best Mate missed the 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup due to a training injury. He died of a suspected heart attack when he returned to the track at Exeter on 1 November 2005.