Racing: Attrition rated equal of early Mate

War Of Attrition has been officially judged the equal of Best Mate when he took the first of his three Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2002.

The Mouse Morris-trained seven-year-old has been awarded a mark of 170 by the British Horseracing Board's official handicapper, Phil Smith, for his win on Friday, when he beat Hedgehunter by two and a half lengths, with another seven to Forget The Past and the close fourth L'Ami.

Kicking King was rated on 175 after his blue riband success last year, the same as Best Mate for his second and third victories.