 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2011) |
| Desert Orchid | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sire | Grey Mirage |
| Grandsire | Double-U-Jay |
| Dam | Flower Child |
| Damsire | Brother |
| Sex | Gelding |
| Foaled | 11 April 1979 in Goadby, Leicestershire, England. |
| Died | 13 November 2006 |
| Country | Great Britain |
| Colour | Grey |
| Breeder | James Burridge |
| Owner | James Burridge, Midge Burridge, Richard Burridge, Simon Bullimore |
| Trainer | David Elsworth at Whitsbury Manor Racing Stables, Fordingbridge, Wiltshire |
| Record | 70: 34-11-8 |
| Earnings | £654,066 |
| Major wins | |
| Tolworth Hurdle (1984) Kingwell Hurdle (1984) Hurst Park Novices' Chase (1985) King George VI Chase (1986, 1988, 1989, 1990) Gainsborough Chase (1987, 1989, 1991) Martell Cup (1988) Whitbread Gold Cup (1988) Tingle Creek Chase (1988) Victor Chandler Chase (1989) Cheltenham Gold Cup (1989) Racing Post Chase (1990) Irish Grand National (1990) | |
| Awards | |
| Timeform rating: 187 | |
| Honours | |
| The Desert Orchid Chase at Wincanton Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park Racecourse Statue, ashes, headstone – Kempton Park Racecourse | |
Desert Orchid (11 April 1979 – 13 November 2006[1][2]), known as Dessie, was an English racehorse. The grey achieved a revered and esteemed status within National Hunt racing, where he was much loved by supporters for his front-running attacking style, iron will and extreme versatility.[3] He was rated the fifth-best National Hunt horse of all time by Timeform. During his racing career he was partnered by five different jump jockeys: Colin Brown, Richard Linley, Simon Sherwood, Graham Bradley and Richard Dunwoody.
- ^ "Racing legend Desert Orchid dies". bbc.co.uk. 13 November 2006.
- ^ "Desert Orchid dies aged 27". sportinglife.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ "Desert Orchid". Archived from the original on 12 September 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2011.