CHELTENHAM (England), March 14: Best Mate, ridden by Jim Culloty, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup Thursday at odds of 7-1 for trainer Henrietta Knight.

Second place one and three quarter lengths away went to 25-1 chance Commanche Court, the mount of Ruby Walsh, with 40-1 See More Businnes, winner in 1999, in third a further eight lengths away.

In one of the most open Gold Cups for years, Best Mate took control going to the last fence and readily held off the runner-up.

Eighteen horses went to post for a first prize of 174,000 pounds ($246,000).

Results:

1. Best Mate 7-1 (ridden by Jim Culloty); 2. Commanche Court 25-1 (Ruby Walsh); 3. See More Business 40-1 (Joe Tizzard).

18 ran.

Distances: one and three-quarter lengths, eight lengths.—Reuters