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Monday, 13 November 2006 |
Racehorse Desert Orchid dies
The legendary and iconic racehorse Desert Orchid has died aged 27 and former trainer David Elsworth said the horse, who was nicknamed "Dessie", died peacefully in his stable on Monday, adding that: "There was no stress, he departed from this world with dignity and no fuss. "
Desert Orchid had won a total of 34 races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and seven at Kempton, where he won the King George VI Chase a record four times.
Desert Orchid was famous for his flamboyant front-running performances and amazing jumping ability.
Desert Orchid's most famous win was in 1989 when he overcame his bad luck at Cheltenham for a stunning victory.
In spite of disliking left-handed tracks and with snow falling on the course, Desert Orchid beat Yahoo to thrill a cheering crowd of nearly 60,000.
In his later years, Desert Orchid became distinguished as his grey coat grew whiter, and he was warmly applauded when parading before races and 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.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 November 2006 )
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