Horse Racing 1988 Whitbread Gold Cup Desert Orchid.avi

The legend does it again. 23 years ago next weekend still seems like yesterday.

[@stateofdreams1]

A scintillating performance by this great horse. Very similar performance to that of when Mill House won the race in 1967, making most of the running and then quickening away on the run in.

[@uhegbu]

The iconic Desert Orchid winning this famous race that dates back to 1957. One of the best performances of the grey's career and I loved it.

[@112sje]

What a gallant effort by Kildimo, trying to concede a pound to Dessie on a right handed track. He could have been an all time great chaser had it not been for the back problems which made him run with his tail up in the air. The handicapper wouldn't get off his back until he was nearly 13.

[@daz3b560]

I know this thread/post was a long time ago, but Kildimo, as you rightly say, was a very talented horse. I loved Dessie, but backed Kildimo this day, as I did on many occasions....think they were still both fantastic, reliable and very admirable, memorable steeplechasers.

[@mizofan]

Yes, a fine horse indeed, and a gallant effort here, as you say. He was unfortunate to be up against Dessie so often. Dessie had big weight handicaps to cope with too.

[@daljeetkalirai6708]

I used to look after Kildimo, indeed he did have a bad back a real super star of a horse this is the last time i lead him up, i still miss him even today. . .

[@emmelby]

Sheesh, that was pretty much flawless, what a sight!

[@johnrobertson6770]

Loved dessie my father bought me the racing silks Also got dancing brave silks

[@barbaradyson6951]

Just hands and heels, no whip.

[@tonyparkes9541]

a great preformance by a great horse

[@dawnkeir549]

What an excellent field Tessie beat here great era for chasers

[@princessforeverxxx]

He always has his ears pricked where others have their eers pinned back.

[@tommyharrigan3563]

dessie the best horse since arkle

[@rohansrider]

As much as I adored Arkle, he was a very special horse, Dessie was in a way more of an all rounder. The difference was that Arkle had the measure of Cheltenham.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Rosalind Mercer Dessie won the gold cup at Cheltenham and was also third in it as a 12 yr old?

[@alfie4troy]

There has been a lot of good hore

[@alfie4troy]

There has been a lot of good horses since desert orchid Yeats,kauto star, best mate, but arkle was the king

[@mizofan]

@@alfie4troy Desert Orchid had bigger handicap burdens than the great horses since.

[@nigelbentley6913]

At Ascot when Dessie one his first ever race as a novice hurdler. Would love to see that

[@rohansrider]

The best Commentators: Francome, Oaksey - so miss them! Francome the best jockey to never win the Grand National. .

[@mizofan]

And Frankie Dettori, Lester Piggott, Willie Carson

[@carriecanter]

an amazing performance he was just sensational at this point in his areer. Would love to see his queen mother champion chase attempts has anyone got those? also the 1991 gold cup he came third as a 12 year old would be good to see

[@EddieCr]

@Katabatic77 a lot will depend on the going and how many stand their ground Mon Parrain went out like a total non stayer at Aintree and his earlier win at Sandown was against donkeys.