Jockey Jim Culloty looks like missing Best Mate's seasonal reappearance after breaking a bone in his thumb in a fall at Exeter.
The Kerryman, who has ridden the horse to a hat-trick of victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, faces several weeks on the sidelines.
Culloty had a plate inserted in his hand during an operation last night and is expected to be out until just before Christmas.
Trainer Henrietta Knight will need to find a jockey for her stable star should Best Mate run in the William Hill Chase at Exeter on November 19th.
Culloty sustained the injury when taking a tumble from Only Vintage at the fourth flight in a Novices Hurdle yesterday.
He was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and was detained overnight before being allowed to go home this afternoon.
PA