DESERT Orchid, one of the most famous horses in the racing world, died today at the age of 27, his former trainer said.
The grey, known affectionately as Dessie, became a much-loved figure both during his career and many years of retirement.
He won 34 races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1989, and won in the King George VI Steeple Chase at Kempton Park four times.
His death was announced by former trainer David Elsworth: "Desert Orchid died peacefully in his stable at 6.05 this morning.
"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."
Mr Elsworth said the popular horse had been ill for several days. "Dessie had not been well for the past week and was losing his co-ordination.
Retirement
"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.
"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."
Desert Orchid was born in April 1979 and raced throughout the 80s, finally retiring in December 1991.
He was known for his gritty determination, but his greatest hour came in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1989, in front of a crowd of 58,000 people.
After winning by a length and a half, his rider Simon Sherwood said: "I've never known a horse so brave.
"He hated every step of the way in the ground and dug as deep as he could possibly go."
Skybet spokesman Dale Tempest recalled watching Desert Orchid at one of his earliest races at Ascot.
"It was one of the first or second times he had run," he said.
"I remember watching him and he was just unbelievable - this white machine thundering out in front of all the others.
"That horse was something else. You need superstars in racing and Desert Orchid was a real superstar."
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Did¿¿nt know him personally, but he was obviously a character! Let¿¿s wish him the best old lad! Would like to know where his fans are now that have made a penny from him and not a word said about him, poor lad!!
what a nice story.but very sad.well done Dessie
We are asked where are all his fans now. There are masses of tributes to Dessie on the net and elsewhere! Most people in the Desert Orchid Fan Club (run partly by Midge Burridge)loved him every bit as much in retirement as when he was racing. I never put any money on him but was thrilled to see him as I did on a number of occasions away from the race track.Through his retirement appearances he raised a lot of money for charity, often for the care of less fortunate horses and I bet there'll be a few bob for charity going into the Club in his memory. Lots of personality, that one.
now this is a true superstar who will be greatly missed. the racing world has lost a true friend. i think it's fitting that his ashes will be going back to kemptown race course and placed next to his statue. we'll miss you dessie. you were a one off mate.