Desert Orchid

[lankeela]

Not a question, but just to let people know that Desert Orchid died today. The old grey did more to bring racing into people's lives than almost any other horse. A sad day for racing.

[horsestache1]

Oh No.

A sad day for all, I think.

[annavc]

I heard this earlier and I was very sad - he was such a beautiful horse. My friend works for the Racing Post and she emailed earlier to tell me and said everyone there was wandering around in a daze looking really sad.

[B00]

Awwww bless did he? How old was he?

[chicklin]

27 I think

[Kozmic Blues]

Aww.... Bless his soul.

[claguey]

I have a lovely print from the Sporting Life taken in 1991 of Desert Orchid & Red Rum on my wall, sad to think they have both gone now. Really is the end of an era, but as lankeela said Dessie did bring racing into many peoples lives which is why his passing has touched so many. Sad, but great memories of a cracking chaser and a racing legend.

[lankeela]

I have the same picture over my fireplace! Good to meet you here as well claguey!

[lankeela]

He was 27, and had won 34 races, amassing almost half a million in prize money. His 'career' extended far beyond his racing though, with personal ppearances and his own fan club, holding open days to visit him. His ashes are to be laid to rest alongside his statue at Kempton, where he had some of his greatest successes.

Such a character. He will be greatly missed.

[Nickynoodles]

He was without a shadow of a doubt - one of the greats!!!

My husbands racehorse "oregon trail" raced against him twice and beat him twice!!! - some feat eh?

But he will be sadly missed

[Roughquest]

Oh yes, that has tugged at my heart strings, poor Dessie, he was indeed beautiful. RIP Dessie darling... xxx

I am dreading the day when I hear of my beloved RQ going to the great race track in the sky, now THAT will be a day of mourning for me, I have adored him for the last 10 years, and he will always be the love of my life in the horse world at least! Tantamount to RedRum....who was fabulous.