Desert Orchid's 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner's coat, white with red borders, inscribed TOTE, CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP, WINNER, mounted in a custom-built

Desert Orchid's 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner's coat, white with red borders, inscribed TOTE, CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP, WINNER, mounted in a custom-built glass-fronted display case with a title plaque, 183 by 110.5cm., 72 by 43 1/2in.; sold with a signed letter of authenticity signed by Richard Burridge, mounted in a frame together with a colour photo of Dessie wearing the blanket after the Gold Cup win, and the signature of David Elsworth; the lot also includes two further frames containing Desert Orchid's complete career record and a brass plaque that may be used in conjunction with this; and a BBC video on Desert Orchid (6) With his dashing white coat, bold jumping and front-running style Desert Orchid became one of the most popular steeplechasers of the modern age. He also became part of the Christmas festivities with his regular appearances in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, a race he won four times. 'Dessie's' crowing moment, however, came at Cheltenham in 1989 when he bravely won the Gold Cup in unsuitably heavy going and his aversion to left-hand tracks. This winner's blanket was worn by the great horse on that memorable day. Other notable victories included the Irish Grand National under top weight of 12st., hammering high-class opposition in the 1990 Racing Post Chase of a weight of 12st. 3lb. and other fine wins including the Whitbread Gold Cup, Martell Cup, Victor Chandler and Tingle Creek.