Desert Orchid: 30 years after first King George triumph we pay tribute to the horse that captured a nation's heart

Colin's father got the ride on Desert Orchid. Colin's dad got odds of 16-1, four points off the 20-2 that had been on offer. Elsworth's horse won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1989. It was a record 34 wins in 70 races in a career that accrued £654,066 in prize money. Sherwood won nine out of 10 rides on Dessie. He retired in 1988. He went for a time to run a village pub in Chaddleworth. The pub was frequented by the Duchess of York. Now he hosts hospitality events. His horse has done a lot for him in retirement.

Desert Orchid won the first King George at the age of 27. He died on November 13, 2006. Elsworth's stablemate Cavvies Clown beat him this year. He was growing frail and died peacefully.