Jim Lewis, owner of Cheltenham Gold Cup horse Best Mate, has died

Best Mate is renowned as one of the greatest horses in Cheltenham Festival history, winning three Gold Cups in succession back in 2002, 2003 and 2004. 

Trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty, the horse ran in the claret and blue colours of Lewis' beloved Aston Villa.

Three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate

Owner Lewis, of Callow End, also enjoyed success in the sport of horse racing with the likes of Edredon Bleu, who won the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2000 and the 2003 King George VI Chase, and Impek.

Lewis reportedly died of kidney failure according to sources close to the family.

Ryan Tongue, a friend of Lewis, told the Worcester News that he will "cherish the moments we shared". 

Ryan Tongue (right) with Best Mate (Image: Ryan Tongue)

"Jim was very special to me. He took me under his wing from a young age, taking me to the home of some of the biggest stables and biggest race meetings, which has helped me build up contacts in the sport.

"I would like to say thanks to him, and I will cherish all the moments we shared. I have lots of fond memories.

We're deeply saddened by the death of our patron Jim Lewis. Jim was a generous supporter of St Richard’s, particularly with events in the world of horse-racing. He will be sorely missed.💙 https://t.co/nekiNo3K3s

— St Richard's Hospice (@StRichardsHosp) February 27, 2023

"Jim served as a patron at St Richards Hospice for more than 10 years and with Best Mate, he won three Cheltenham Gold Cups. He also sponsored The Best Mate Building which is used for family support at the hospice."

Best Mate, who will forever remain in Cheltenham racing folklore, was the first horse to win the Gold Cup more than once since L'Escargot in 1970 and 1971

The ten-year-old died back in 2005 of a suspected heart attack after being pulled up whilst competing in the Gold Cup at Exeter Racecourse on 1 November 2005.