Racing: The grey heir to Desert Orchid's crown comes face to face with the past master

Wednesday 17 December 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Can One Man go three-quarters of the way to measuring up to Desert Orchid and win a third King George VI Chase on Boxing Day? Physically, at least, he was able to look the old champion in the eye yesterday when the two came face to face during a visit by Desert Orchid to One Man's territory of Gordon Richards's stables at Greystoke in Cumbria.

It was Desert Orchid who really caught the eye, though, despite his 18 years. "I hope One Man will look as well when he is 18 and today, as always, Desert Orchid looked a bit of a handful for his lass," John Hales, One Man's owner, said.

Richards said: "I would love to have trained Desert Orchid. Who wouldn't have loved to have had a good horse like that. He stayed the night here and it was wonderful having him. He looks in great order and nice and happy. One Man was pleased to see him too and I am quite pleased with our grey horse after riding him this morning. He is coming along nicely and looking a million dollars for the King George."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in