'Best Mate will live forever in our hearts'

The three-times Cheltenham Gold Cup champion collapsed after being pulled up in his comeback race at Exeter on Tuesday. He died from a heart-attack.

The horse was owned by Jim Lewis, of Callow End, whose delight at Best Mate's triumphs became a staple image from Cheltenham in recent years.

The third of his victories came last year and made Best Mate the first horse since the great Arkle in the 1960s to secure a hat-trick.

A choked Mr Lewis said Best Mate's death had left him feeling low and empty.

"We knew the dream would end one day and now it has," he said. "I've got other horses but I'll never have another Best Mate."

Best Mate's dramatic wins made him a popular favourite and he became one of the few horses to be known outside racing circles, joining the likes of Red Rum and Desert Orchid.

"He was a great horse. He captured people's hearts. I think his name helped," said Mr Lewis.

Best Mate's race colours were the claret and blue of Mr Lewis' beloved Aston Villa and his owner said that Midlanders had always been very supportive.

"They've shared our triumphs and now they're sharing our grief," he said. "Best Mate made our dreams come true and we'll always be grateful to him for that. He'll live forever in our hearts and memories."

News of Best Mate's death spread quickly in Callow End. At the Old Bush pub, where Mr Lewis was a regular and where locals had toasted Best Mate's triumphs in the past, the news was heard on the radio while people listened to the race.

"We're all very shocked and sad," said landlady Joanne Letties.

l Jim Culloty on Best Mate after his third Gold Cup win.