IN his prime, a nation held him in awe as he sailed over fences and galloped to victory in some of the greatest steeplechases.

These days, Desert Orchid leads a more sedate life in retirement.

But Britain's favourite horse still draws in the crowds when he makes his summer pilgrimage to North Yorkshire.

The 26-year-old grey, who notched up famous victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the King George VI in a glittering career, spends a month winding down in summer pasture in Gillamoor, near Kirkbymoorside.

It is 14 years since Desert Orchid, affectionately known as Dessie, last surged past the winning post at a racecourse.

But Sue Gibson, who has looked after the horse during his month-long stay in the county for the past five years, says the spark which made him a racing legend is still there.

"He has quietened down a bit now, but he still has it in him," she said. "When he gets on to a racecourse you still see it."

Sue said she had been looking after Desert Orchid's annual holiday since owner Richard Burridge asked her to step in when Dessie's previous carer retired.

She said she felt he enjoyed his spring visits to North Yorkshire. "I think he enjoys it. He is a horse that likes a change of scenery and he likes the contact with all the other horses," Sue said.

"He hardly does any work, it's just a case of relaxation. He comes and stays for a holiday and we hold the camp for him. We are always thrilled to have him and it gives people who come up this way and visit a chance to call in.

"He always gets a lot of visitors. He has just celebrated his birthday and we received quite a lot of cards for him."

Sue said Desert Orchid was so well loved because of his distinctive grey colour, and because people could still remember putting their pounds on him and cheering him home to victory.

She said: "Everyone in the village always likes to see him come back.

"We are hoping he will be able to return next year."

Updated: 10:58 Monday, May 09, 2005