THE future of Worcestershire's triple Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate is in the hands of Mother Nature, according to his trainer Henrietta Knight.

Forced to miss his attempt at a fourth title when breaking a blood vessel in his preparations days before the big race in March, the star jumper will embark upon his next campaign in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on November 1.

That race is a stepping stone to a trip to Haydock's Betfair Cup, the first leg of the new Betfair Million, a three-legged challenge which also takes in the Stan James King George VI Chase and the Gold Cup itself.

But mindful of the injury which ended Best Mate's season back in the spring, bookmakers are dismissive of the chances of the gelding, who will be 11 when Cheltenham comes around next year, taking all three legs.

Totesport make him a 40-1 chance, while it is 6-1 for any horse to take the sponsors' cash.

With Best Mate's regular rider Jim Culloty having retired, owner Jim Lewis, from Callow End, has got to find a new pilot for his pride and joy.

But Lewis admitted that due to riding commitments of all of the top riders, it might be impossible to retain the services of one jockey for all of Best Mate's outings this season.

"We have to establish who is available, but there is no point ringing up trainers now and asking them if they are going to need their jockeys in certain races," he said. "We'll get the horse right first before worrying about the jockey too much."

Lewis will have extra cause to celebrate should Best Mate claim the Betfair Million, with the sponsors having given the owner a free £5,000 bet at 33-1 about his horse winning all three legs.

Lewis has pledged to divide his winnings between two charities, the St Richard's Hospice in Worcester and the Gentleman's Night Out project for terminally-ill children.