Culloty Remembers His Best Mate Trainer Jim Culloty has fond memories of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown and none more so than his partnership with triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate. The Kerry native rode the Henrietta Knight trained son of Un Desperado in all three Cheltenham Gold Cup victories and was also on board when the pair won the 2003 Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown. It is seldom a horse has won a Grade 1 in such a manner with the rider repeatedly looking over each shoulder for non-existent dangers. Best Mate went on to win his third Gold Cup following this victory at Leopardstown but remarkably was turned over at odds-on in the 2004 renewal of this race at Leopardstown by Beef Or Salmon. Go to www.leopardstown.com to book tickets and hospitality.
