STAFF and patients at St Richard's Hospice will be cheering on Worcestershire's triple Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate during a trio of forthcoming races as if he wins all three the charity stands to receive £82,500.

The gelding - who was forced to miss his attempt at a fourth Gold Cup win after breaking a blood vessel last year - is back on form and ready to compete in the three-legged challenge, the Betfair Million.

And the sponsors have given Best Mate's owner, Callow End's Jim Lewis, a free £5,000 bet at 33-1 - with a potential payout of £165,000 if Best Mate wins three races.

Mr Lewis has pledged to split the winnings between the Gentleman's Night Out project for terminally-ill children and St Richard's Hospice, of which he is patron.

And he is feeling confident.

"I wouldn't give you 33-1 for Best Mate winning all three races," he said.

"If he wins the first one and comes home sound I don't think there's a horse about that could beat him."

Marilyn Peachey, director of fund-raising at St Richard's Hospice, said: "First of all, we are all delighted that Best Mate has recovered from his injury and is ready to race again.

"We are also incredibly grateful to Jim Lewis, who is a wonderful and generous patron of our charity, for choosing us to benefit if Best Mate wins the three races. We will all be cheering him on."

The Betfair Million incorporates three of the season's biggest steeplechases.

To win the £165,000 payout, as well as the incredible £1m prize money, Best Mate will have to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday, November 19, the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day and the Totesport Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Friday, March 17.