Desert Orchid et al: midweek glories recalled on a trip down memory lane

No2 Desert Orchid on his way to victory in the 1990 King George VI chase at Kempton Park 26th December 1990Owner Richard Burridge Trainer David Elsworth Jockeys Colin Brown, Simon Sherwood, Richard Dunwoody Record (jumps) 34 wins from 71 startsCareer high

Desert Orchid: chasing's biggest star of the 1980s ran on a Thursday at WincantonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Anyone doubting Patrick Veitch's claims about the dumbing down of the midweek racing programme should consider February 25, 1988.

On that afternoon Desert Orchid took on fellow star chasers Burrough Hill Lad and Kildimo in the Jim Ford Chase, quite possibly the best race ever run at Wincanton. An hour earlier, See You Then had his first outing since completing a Champion Hurdle hat-trick in the Kingwell Hurdle on the same card.

See You Then: another star turn at Wincanton in midweekCredit: Mark Cranham

A cracking day, undoubtedly – and modern fixture-planners might be astonished to hear it was a Thursday afternoon, not a weekend.

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David CarrReporter

Published on 21 October 2020inNews

Last updated 18:44, 21 October 2020

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