Gold Cup Winner Desert Orchid Dies

Desert Orchid, the ever-popular Cheltenham Gold Cup winner of 1989, died peacefully this morning at the age of 27.

The dashing grey achieved iconic status within the National Hunt arena and was much-loved by racing enthusiasts for his iron-will and extreme adaptability.

He won 34 races in total, including seven at his beloved Kempton, where four victories in the King George VI Steeple Chase underlined his immense talent.

His former trainer David Elsworth said: '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.'

Elsworth added: 'Dessie had not been well for the past week and was losing his co-ordination and Richard Burridge (owner) visited only yesterday along with Janice Coyle.

'Our thanks goes to David Bartram from Greenwood Ellis for his kind help in making his last days comfortable.

'He was 27 years old and we had been involved with this wonderful horse for 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

Foaled: April 11, 1979
Sire: Grey Mirage
Dam: Flower Child
Owner: Richard Burridge
Trainer: David Elsworth
Career record: Races 71. Wins 34.

Major wins:

1983/4

• Tolworth Hurdle (Sandown)
• Kingwell Pattern Hurdle (Wincanton)

1984/5

• Oteley Hurdle (Sandown)

1985/6

• Hurst Park Novices? Chase (Ascot)
• Henry VIII Novices? Chase (Sandown)
• Killiney Novices? Chase (Ascot)

1986/7

• King George VI Rank Chase (Kempton) #:31,696.00
• FU?s Jeans Gainsborough Handicap Chase (Sandown) #:15,666.00
• Jim Ford Challenge Cup (Wincanton) #:6,322.90

1987/8

• Chivas Regal Cup (Liverpool)
• Whitbread Gold Cup (Sandown)

1988/9

• Tingle Creek Handicap Chase (Sandown)
• King George VI Rank Chase (Kempton)
• Victor Chandler Handicap Chase (Ascot)
• Racecall Gainsborough Handicap Chase (Sandown)
• Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (Cheltenham)

1989/90

• King George VI Rank Chase (Kempton)
• Racing Post Chase (Kempton)
• Jameson Irish Grand National (Fairyhouse)

1990/91

• King George VI Rank Chase (Kempton)
• Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (Sandown)

Other notable performances:Also finished second in the 1984 Christmas Hurdle, second in the 1986 Scilly Isles? Novices? Chase, third in the 1986 Arkle Challenge Trophy, third in the 1987 Queen Mother Champion Chase, second in the 1987 King George, second in the 1988 Champion Chase, third in the 1990 Cheltenham Gold Cup, third in the 1991 Gold Cup.

Winning prize money::#544,238

Win and place prize money::#654,066