Best Mate’s owner Jim Lewis dies aged 88
Henrietta Knight hails ‘colourful’ former patron.
Henrietta Knight has paid tribute to Jim Lewis, owner of three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, following his death at the age of 88. Lewis’ claret and blue colours based on his beloved Aston Villa were synonymous with Prestbury Park success in the early 2000s, as both Best Mate – who became the first horse since Arkle to complete a hat-trick of Gold Cups when successful in 2004 – and Champion Chase hero Edredon Bleu became household names and regulars in the season’s biggest contests. His first Festival winner was Nakir who picked up the 1994 Arkle, but it was not until he joined forces with Henrietta Knight and her partner Terry Biddlecombe that big-race victories became a regularity.Knight highlighted Lewis’ love of racing and the unwavering support of her former owner. She said: “I was incredibly lucky to have an owner like Jim Lewis who had huge enthusiasm for the game and was very patient with his horses. He left the training of them to Terry and myself but hugely enjoyed discussing where they were going and how they were getting on.
Our thoughts are with Jim Lewis’ friends and family after the news that he has passed away.
The legendary owner had horses like BEST MATE who won him three @CheltenhamRaces Gold Cups 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qrnWc7ifPo — The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) February 27, 2023
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