Our favourite horses... Number 11: Desert Orchid. aka "Dessie", Desert Orchid was an English racehorse. A grey, National Hunt racehorse, he achieved iconic status with the public, where he was much loved by supporters for his front-running attacking style, iron will and extreme versatility. He was rated the fifth best National Hunt horse of all time and ridden by four different jockeys, including Richard Dunwoody. He won 34 out of 70 races amassing a total of £654,066 in prize money and famously won the King George VI four times. He retired in 1991 but still found time to lead out the parade of runners each year for the King George VI Chase and raise over £40,000 for charity at a number of events. He died at the age of 27, surrounded by his loved ones at his home at Egerton. His ashes are interred at Kempton Park Racecourse near his statue #EquusEngland #equestrian #horseracing #eventing #dressage #showjumping #horses