Desert Orchid: Racehorse Extraordinaire Quiz

Answer: Grey Mirage

Bred by James Burridge out of his mare Flower Child, Desert Orchid's breeding was not considered fashionable. Known as Fred until he was named with Weatherbys at three, he remained in the ownership of the Burridge family until he died.

Answer: David Elsworth

David Elsworth has had many top class performers through his hands but will always be remembered for his exquisite handling of Dessie's career. His lass, Janice Coyle and his work rider, Rodney Boult, played no small part in keeping Dessie fit and well throughout his eight year career.

Answer: Clockwise

Dessie had a tendency to jump out to the right when he was tiring and on an anti-clockwise course this could cost him many lengths. That aside, on the thirteen occasions he ran anti-clockwise, he was never out of the first three. Of the clockwise courses Ascot, Kempton Park and Sandown Park were where he was often seen at his most brilliant.

Answer: 4

Run at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, Dessie won in 1986, and then 1988-89-90. On his favourite course some of the jumps he put in over the fences were truly breathtaking. The 1986 race was the race that started the public's love affair with him. Unfancied at odds of 16/1, he set off in front and put in some spectacular jumps, beating Door Latch by 15 lengths. A star was born.

Answer: Simon Sherwood

The tenth time they fell. A very stylish jockey who went on to be a trainer. Richard Dunwoody then took over the ride on Dessie until his retirement. Colin Browne was Dessie's jockey in the early part of his career and often rode him when, in retirement, he led out the runners for the King George VI Gold Cup.

Answer: 1

The Blue Riband of steeplechasing, Dessie ran third twice and won in 1989. On a course that didn't suit, in conditions that he hated, it was sheer guts that got him home ahead of the mud loving Yahoo. I had backed Yahoo but it was Dessie I was cheering on. Never been so pleased to lose a bet before!

Answer: Falling at Kempton Park

As he started, so did he finish. Falling when attempting to win his fifth King George VI Gold Cup. Much of Dessie's public appeal was his sheer exuberance and enjoyment for his sport and his battling abilities when the going got tough. He walked away from his fall, uninjured, into a long retirement and a well deserved place in the history of the Sport of Kings.

Answer: Irish Grand National

Richard Burridge, one of Dessie's part owners felt the left-handedness of Aintree wouldn't suit the bold jumping grey. The ninety degree left-handed turn at the Canal Turn was a particular worry.

Answer: Colic

Luckily, he survived. A huge design fault of the horse is its inability to vomit. This makes any gastric problems potentially fatal. Modern veterinary procedures save many, but it is still a feared illness.

Answer: Kempton Park

Dessie died peacefully at the age of twenty seven in November 2006, still with his trainer, David Elsworth. His ashes were buried near a statue of him at Kempton Park in a private ceremony a week before the King George VI was run on Boxing day. On the 27th of December a minutes silence was observed in his honour before the inaugural running of the Desert Orchid Chase.