True champion

I WAS offended by racing correspondent Pat Keane’s remarks on Desert Orchid’s passing (Irish Examiner, November 16).

His comment that “you would think a statesman had died” was gratuitous, to say the least. Desert Orchid was way above any statesman — he was genuine and true, as those of us who followed his career and were lucky enough to see him race know only too well.

I have always enjoyed Pat Keane’s racing commentaries. I find him to be fair and humorous. Desert Orchid is held in the same esteem as our own Arkle by many racing fans and horse-lovers. So come on, Mr Keane, an apology would be in order to Dessie and his fans.