Best Mate awarded Cheltenham enclosure Cheltenham will rename its least expensive enclosure 'The Best Mate' from the start of next season as a tribute to the triple winner of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. Brewers Courage had previously sponsored this enclosure under the titles of Fosters and Courage. The #3.5 million redevelopment of the enclosure was opened last week, featuring the Dawn Run and Desert Orchid Grandstands with the capacity increased to 12,500.Cheltenham´s Managing Director, Edward Gillespie, announced the Racecourse Board´s decision today: 'We feel it is wholly appropriate to commemorate Best Mate´s achievement with the renaming of this popular enclosure directly opposite the main stands. 'Make no mistake, this third Gold Cup win is equivalent for our sport of England winning the World Cup would be for football. We no longer have to look back to 1966 when Arkle won for the third time. Jump racing is enjoying a golden age and contenders for greatness will in future be compared with Best Mate.' Jim Lewis, owner of Best Mate, expressed his delight at the decision: 'A truly wonderful tribute to a very public horse.' Admission to the Best Mate Enclosure will be free for the remaining three fixtures this season on April 14, 15 and 28 in order to encourage as many people as possible to sample the new facilities which include the two grandstands, bars, a Harry Ramsden´s restaurant and betting shop.
