Legendary racehorse Desert Orchid has died at the age of 27 - here are a selection of tributes from users of the BBC's 606 website, accompanied by photos of the popular grey

"His Cheltenham Gold Cup win in March '89 was one of the most emotional sporting occasions the country has ever witnessed. There were hats being thrown everywhere" - SY

"I will never forget the day he beat Yahoo in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. I can still hear Sir Peter O'Sullevan's commentary now: 'He's beginning to get up...' - NorfolkOxo

"Undoubtedly the best National Hunt horse I ever saw. He didn't just post remarkable performances, he kept doing it for years and years" - Jeremy White

"When one of his previous victories in the race was replayed on the big screen, Dessie stopped in his tracks. He looked over at the screen and nodded" - GP

"I was so sad to hear of Dessie's death. For the last 16 years, I've had a picture of him up in my bedroom, but then he was so handsome, he was a natural pin-up" - Tyndall33

"I had a bandaged, broken hand. He nuzzled all over it, then gently rested his chin on my shoulder. I've known hundreds of horses, but he had a presence second to none" - GW

"Dessie was my hero. I have been a fan for many many years. It was only two months ago I saw him at Newmarket and was overwhelmed to see how well he looked" - Jananna

Desert Orchid will be laid to rest by his statue at Kempton. "Rest In Peace Dessie, a massive loss to the horse racing world, a true legend" - RK