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

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."