Racing: Best Mate faces first sleepover in Ireland

Henrietta Knight yesterday delivered an upbeat bulletin on Best Mate, who will spend his first night away from home when he bypasses the King George VI Chase in favour of the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

"He is as well as ever," she said. "It's been a difficult few days deciding where to go but it will always come down to what is best for the horse and I hope we've got it right."

Travelling on Saturday, Best Mate will be spending his first night away since arriving at Knight's West Lockinge yard, but homesickness is not an issue according to his trainer.

"He is a relaxed horse, much calmer than Edredon Bleu," she said. "We are going to be staying with friends - although I'm not saying where. Staying at the racecourse wasn't an option because there is racing on Saturday so he wouldn't appreciate all the noise.

"The going sounds ideal, although it is that word 'yielding' which they use and I'm never sure exactly what it means."

Mild weather in Britain means that there are no problems forecast for Boxing Day's 10 scheduled meetings.

Boxing Day cards:

Ayr: First race 12.25, Going Good.

Huntingdon: 12.25, Good (Good to Soft in places).

Kempton: 12.40 Good.

Market Rasen: 12.30, Good (Good to Soft in places on chase course).

Sedgefield: 1.00, Good (Good to Soft in places).

Towcester: 1.10, Soft.

Uttoxeter: 12.20, Hurdles - Soft (Good to Soft in places); Chases - Soft (Heavy in places).

Wetherby: 12.50 Good (Good to Soft in places).

Wincanton 12.30, Good.

Wolverhampton: 1.05, Standard.