SIR - The death of Best Mate has made some people angry. The owners know that every time their horses jump a fence there is a possibility of an injury, perhaps even causing death.

I believe it is mad to keep racing a horse after it has won two Cheltenham Gold Cups or one Grand National.

Best Mate was being aimed at four Gold Cups which is total insanity.

The same fate could easily have happened to Red Rum, who won three Grand Nationals and was second twice.

Both these horses should have been retired to a peaceful old age, which is something that sadly Best Mate will now never know.

MR K HEMMING,

Worcester