Memorabilia of famous racehorse Desert Orchid goes on sale
Fans of legendary racehorse Desert Orchid are invited to make offers for memorabilia of the famous grey, donated to a Leicestershire horse charity.
Pablo’s Horse Sanctuary, near Melton Mowbray, has received a rug, limited edition reproduction horseshoe and plaits from the gelding’s mane and tail, from Dessie’s former co-owners, the Burridge family.
The charity hopes to sell them to Dessie fans to raise cash.
Carole Fielding, who runs the Pablo’s Horse Sanctuary, said: “The Burridge family have very kindly donated the rug he wore to one of his final appearances, which has his name on and is still covered in his hairs.
“We also have a silver-plated reproduction of a horse shoe he was wearing when he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup [in 1989] and plaits from his mane and tail.”
She said they would like offers for the items. If you would like to buy a piece of racing history, contact Carole on 01664 562634.
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.