Dessie celebrates 27th birthday

DESERT ORCHID'S KEY VICTORIES King George VI Chase: 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990 Cheltenham Gold Cup: 1989 Irish Grand National: 1990 Whitbread Gold Cup: 1988

Desert Orchid celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday with a ceremony at the yard of trainer David Elsworth.

"Dessie" won four King George VI Chases and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in an illustrious career before finally being retired in 1991.

"He seems to have mellowed with old age but most of us do slow down a bit," said Elsworth.

"We don't ride him anymore. We used to lead the yearlings with him but thought it was getting a bit much for him."

The legendary grey enjoyed a highly successful career and was one of the most popular horses in the world.

"He used to be a bit boisterous and he still gets excited when he goes off to Cheltenham or wherever," added Elsworth.

"But at home, now, he is very good.

"Depending on the weather, he usually goes out in the morning to a paddock where he and Kathology have a romp.

"We used to keep them over there but Dessie likes to be involved in the yard. He has always got his head over the door, watching what goes on."