Desert Orchid dies aged 27

Desert Orchid, the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and one of Britain's most popular jump racehorses, has died at the age of 27.

The dashing grey achieved iconic status within National Hunt racing and was celebrated 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.

"Desert Orchid died peacefully in his stable at 6.05 this morning," said former trainer David Elsworth. "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.

"Dessie had not been well for the past week and was losing his co-ordination. 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."