Bell was delighted with Big Orange's performance

Michael Bell has trained Derby winners, Nunthorpe sprinters, and dual Oaks champions, but few horses have brought him as much joy as Big Orange.

Though it took four races for Big Orange to secure his maiden win, he showed promise by finishing fourth in the Queen’s Vase on his next outing. He went on to win two listed races and ended his three-year-old season with a solid fifth in the Long Distance Cup at Ascot, behind Dermot Weld’s Forgotten Rules.

The following year, despite a disappointing start, Big Orange rewarded his supporters with a 25-1 victory in the Princess of Wales’s Stakes after dropping back to a mile and a half. This win marked the beginning of his successful run at Goodwood, where he clinched back-to-back Goodwood Cups. Only Stradivarius, who emerged as a superstar in 2017, prevented him from achieving a hat-trick, though Big Orange had already won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot that year.

Bell discussed Big Orange's unique preparation that revitalised his performance. "After struggling early in his four-year-old career, we schooled him over hurdles, which seemed to refresh him," he said. Big Orange's notable victories included an impressive win in the Princess of Wales, where he bested Quest For More and Trip To Paris.

Although Stradivarius narrowly defeated Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup while carrying 13 pounds more, Bell remembered it as a memorable showdown. He praised Big Orange for his versatility, noting his strong performances at Ascot, in the Melbourne Cup, and at Meydan, emphasising that fast ground was key to his success.

Reflecting on his experiences with Big Orange, Bell said training him was a joy, with his Gold Cup win being a highlight. He appreciated the electric atmosphere and James Doyle's exceptional ride. Big Orange cultivated a large fan base due to his size and charisma, becoming a favourite like Persian Punch and Yeats for the excitement he brought to racing.