Ironically, the same race also caused what he has described as his one regret in racing - missing out on a trainers' title - when Desert Orchid's victory resulted in David Elsworth leapfrogging Gifford on the final day of the season in 1988.
Should McIlroy succeed in adding to his debut tour victory at the Dubai Desert Classic in January he will move into the world's top 10 when the latest world rankings are published on Monday morning.
Meanwhile, Scottish golfer Stephen Gallacher ended an eight-year wait for a second European Tour victory when he triumphed at the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday.