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Racing legend Desert Orchid dies Racing legend Desert Orchid dies
(10 minutes later)
Legendary racehorse Desert Orchid has died at the age of 27.Legendary racehorse Desert Orchid has died at the age of 27.
The dashing grey achieved iconic status within National Hunt racing, where he was much loved by supporters for his iron will and extreme versatility.The dashing grey achieved iconic status within National Hunt racing, where he was much loved by supporters for his iron will and extreme versatility.
He won 34 races in total, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and seven at his beloved Kempton, where he won the King George VI Chase a record four times.He won 34 races in total, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and seven at his beloved Kempton, where he won the King George VI Chase a record four times.
Former trainer David Elsworth said the horse, nicknamed 'Dessie', died peacefully in his stable on Monday.Former trainer David Elsworth said the horse, nicknamed 'Dessie', died peacefully in his stable on Monday.
Elsworth added: "There was no stress, he departed from this world with dignity and no fuss.Elsworth added: "There was no stress, he departed from this world with dignity and no fuss.
"He did his dying in the same individual way that he did his living. It was time to go.""He did his dying in the same individual way that he did his living. It was time to go."
606: COMMENT Some of my fondest memories of racing are watching the great grey HH 606: Have your say Desert Orchid's most famous victory came in 1989 when he overcame his Cheltenham hoodoo for an emotional triumph.606: COMMENT Some of my fondest memories of racing are watching the great grey HH 606: Have your say Desert Orchid's most famous victory came in 1989 when he overcame his Cheltenham hoodoo for an emotional triumph.
Despite disliking left-handed tracks and with snow falling on the Gloucestershire course, he beat the mud-loving Yahoo to delight a crowd of nearly 60,000 cheering spectators.
He landed jump racing's Christmas showpiece, the King George, four times between 1986 and 1990, and was retired in 1991.He landed jump racing's Christmas showpiece, the King George, four times between 1986 and 1990, and was retired in 1991.
In his advancing years, Desert Orchid became a distinguished figure as his grey coat grew whiter, and he was warmly cheered when paraded before big races.In his advancing years, Desert Orchid became a distinguished figure as his grey coat grew whiter, and he was warmly cheered when paraded before big races.
DESERT ORCHID 1979-2006 Foaled: 21 April, 1979Died: 13 November 2006Owner: Richard BurridgeTrainer: David ElsworthCareer: Races 71. Wins 34
Key victories: King George VI Chase: 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990Cheltenham Gold Cup: 1989Irish Grand National: 1990Whitbread Gold Cup: 1988 He was named the second favourite racehorse of all-time, behind Arkle and ahead of Red Rum, in a poll of Racing Post readers in 2004.		DESERT ORCHID 1979-2006 Foaled: 21 April, 1979Died: 13 November 2006Owner: Richard BurridgeTrainer: David ElsworthCareer: Races 71. Wins 34
Key victories: King George VI Chase: 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990Cheltenham Gold Cup: 1989Irish Grand National: 1990Whitbread Gold Cup: 1988 He was named the second favourite racehorse of all-time, behind Arkle and ahead of Red Rum, in a poll of Racing Post readers in 2004.
"He was 27 years old and we had been involved with this wonderful horse for a quarter of a century both in his racing days and retirement," said Elsworth."He was 27 years old and we had been involved with this wonderful horse for a quarter of a century both in his racing days and retirement," said Elsworth.
"Everybody will miss him and our sympathy goes to his adoring public and fan club that never ceased to take opportunities to see him at his public appearances.""Everybody will miss him and our sympathy goes to his adoring public and fan club that never ceased to take opportunities to see him at his public appearances."
He added: "Desert Orchid will be laid to rest at Kempton Park near his statue where many of his most memorable triumphs took place."He added: "Desert Orchid will be laid to rest at Kempton Park near his statue where many of his most memorable triumphs took place."
Former jockey Colin Brown, who rode the horse in his early races, was among those to pay tribiute.
"He was just a great character, who never knew when he was beaten, and never had an injury until he retired," Brown told BBC Five Live.
"He was a great jumper, who had guts like a lion. You could ride him like you were driving a car, and just ask him to go faster or slower."