Best Mate conqueror Wahiba Sands dies at the age of 27

Wahiba Sands, the first horse to beat triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate over fences, has died at the age of 27.

Winner of 11 races from 62 starts under Rules, Wahiba Sands's victories included the First National Gold Cup at Ascot in 2001 for trainer Martin Pipe and owner David Johnson where he got the better of 8-13 favourite Best Mate by half a length after a stirring battle under Sir Anthony McCoy.

David Pipe said: "He was a decent horse who we got off the Flat from John Dunlop. He was a big, good-looking individual with lots of class, and the highlight of his career was his Ascot defeat of Best Mate.

"His groom Vicky Selway looked after him when his racing career was over, and they competed in the odd showjumping competition. He enjoyed a great retirement."

Wahiba Sands landed five Grade 2 races over jumps, including three at his beloved Ascot where he was successful four times in all.

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