If racing had a ghost of Christmas Past it would be an appropriately ethereal white charger, ears pricked and joyously flamboyant jumping undimmed by age. It would, of course, be Desert Orchid, of whom everyone over the age of 30 thinks automatically and affectionately every King George day.

For five Christmases, between 1986 and 1990, Dessie topped the bill on Boxing Day, packing in the crowds in a way Kempton has not seen since. There came a time when it seemed almost a private show, when the public adoration of this bold, brave grey escalated beyond rational limits. But, boy, it was the stuff of fantasy for those trying to promote the sport.

Desert Orchid had a fan club so myopic that they would come to see him just walk around a paddock, no jumps in sight. A waste of thrilling talent, but that's loyalty for you. They were also fiercely protective, so much so that talk of him running in the Grand National caused an outcry and a national newspaper campaign - all grist to the marketing mill for racing.

Two decades ago, Chasers and Hurdlers, the bible of jump racing, regularly devoted ten or 11 pages to the great grey and made some telling observations about his impact, even on people not naturally drawn to racehorses.

One year, the book opined: “Desert Orchid is a symbol of so much that is good about racing and provides a magnificent image for the game. He's tough, versatile, courageous and durable and a joy to watch...could any sport want a more accomplished standard-bearer?”

The previous year, when he had won a mere two King Georges, a currently topical point was explored. “Television has had much to do with Desert Orchid's enormous popularity. [His] colour helps set him apart; out in front, jumping boldly, he creates a spectacular image for the cameras...”

As the latest Stan James King George VI Chase approaches, any talk of racing on television is accompanied by gnashing of teeth over the imminent cuts by the BBC. The perceived betrayal is such that Racing Post has mounted a campaign to persuade the corporation it must reconsider.

In theory, this is a valid crusade for an industry newspaper to wage. Its drawbacks, though, are more evident by the day, not only in the uncritical platform it affords certain politicians, bookmakers and self-publicists, but in the fact it is addressing only racing's committed community - hence, inviting prejudiced and unrealistic judgments.

If it squeezes even one additional raceday out of a reluctant BBC, it will rightly be deemed a success but its narrow, tub-thumping nature ignores the harsher truth. Racing fans are no different from anyone else in believing their pastime is more important than the rest but no television network, not even the so-called public broadcaster, is obliged to pander to that view.

To capture the wider interest demanded by TV, racing requires its heroes to be accessible, entertaining and exceptionally gifted. Desert Orchid, who ran with regularity, jumped with élan and never gave less than his best, fitted that edict snugly. On Friday, we shall see if Kauto Star can emulate him.

Paul Nicholls has been chafing recently over what he regards as disparaging punditry. Too many people, in the view of the champion trainer, are looking to suggest that Kauto Star is not the force of old. As the person who knows him best, Nicholls' contrasting view - that he is back in the health and spirits he was before winning easily at Down Royal in November - is probably worth far more, but he should know that such belittling of champions is nothing new.

It even happened to Dessie one Christmas, back in 1987, when he was sent off even-money for the King George and trailed in 15 lengths behind Nupsala, the French-trained outsider. Though then only eight, and with his best years still to come, Desert Orchid was the subject of a withering inquest and plenty of snap assessments that too many hard races had taken their toll.

On Friday, Kauto Star could become the first since Dessie to win three King Georges. In the present climate, it is important that he does. New stars on the block are fine but what focuses public attention is an old warrior coming back for more glory.

Many who pay racing only passing attention have heard of Kauto Star. He even has a Facebook page. A third win for him would be a small slice of history but a significant victory for a sport that needs its heroes as seldom before.