Best Mate was labelled 'simply the best' by West Lockinge trainer Henrietta Knight after turning the Grade 2 williamhill.co.uk Haldon Gold Cup into a one-horse romp at Exeter yesterday

Jim Culloty's mount jumped to the head of affairs five fences from home, before cruising home by 20 lengths from Desert Mountain.

Best Mate returned to a rapturous reception from the appreciative West Country crowd, and Knight said: "He's a bit special - a phenomenon. I don't think I'll ever have another horse like this in my yard in my lifetime."

He is now a best-priced 10-1 (with the Tote and Ladbrokes) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.