SIR - The sad death of Best Mate at Exeter racecourse inevitably raised the question, after three Gold Cup wins, how good was he? Indeed some may ask was he the best steeplechaser ever?

It is difficult to compare his greatness with steeplechasers from different eras, but the two best steeplechasers I ever saw were Flyingbolt and his legendary stable companion Arkle.

MIKE ASHBY,

West Malvern,

Worcestershire.